Russia Push the Safe Zone in Syria

Russian Su-34 based in Latakia, Syria (Russian Ministry of Defense)

Astana - Syrian armed opposition on 4/5/2017 rejects Russia's plan to create a safe area in Syria, and considers it a threat to the territorial integrity of Syria.



They also said they would not recognize Iran as guarantor of any ceasefire plan.

Turkey, which supports Syrian rebels and Iran, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, discussed a deal on Thursday over Russia's plan to create a "region of decline" in Syria, which the United Nations welcomes but doubts about the United States.

"We want Syria to keep its integrity," said deputy opposition envoy Osama Abu Zaid after Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum to create a safe area. The three countries held talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana, to end the fighting in Syria.

"We are against the Syrian - sharing deal. We are not a party that agrees and of course we will never support it as long as Iran is a guarantor country, "Abu Zaid said.

He also mentioned the "big gap" between Russia's promises, which have intervened in the military since 2015 by supporting Bashar, and resuming conflicts in Syria.



"We already have an agreement in our hands, why not apply?" He said, referring to the ceasefire agreement announced by Russia in December largely ignored in the field application.

"Why are we now discussing the safe zone? ... .. Russia is incapable or unwilling to implement the promises they make, and this is a fundamental issue," he added.

Russia, Turkey and Iran did not immediately announce the memorandum, leaving the details unclear. But the safe zone appears to be aimed at creating a conflict-free region, helping to expand the truce and potentially being monitored by foreign troops.

The State Department said in a statement that there were doubts about Iran's involvement as a guarantor of the deal and Damascus's record of previous agreements.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he pushed the plan but must really improve the lives of Syrians.

Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir said during a visit to Washington, D.C., supporting the creation of a safe zone but he wanted to see more details of the plan.


Russian negotiator Alexander Lavrentyev said under the plan, Russia could send observers to the safe area. He said that monitors from third parties could be invited according to Iran's agreement with Turkey.