Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed the need for the withdrawal of all foreign forces operating without the consent of Damascus after the defeat of the organization Daesh in Syria.
“We expect that all of us, first and foremost the United States, will abide by what (US Secretary of State) Rex Tillerson has announced more than once and other politicians in Washington,” Lavrov said in a speech at the Third Mediterranean Dialogue.
He added: “We believe that after the victory on the urging of all foreign forces that are active in the country without the call of the legitimate government of the Member State of the United Nations, without the authorization of the Security Council, which, as we know does not exist in this case.”
“I think that the results of the Astana process of the Syrian settlement, including the establishment of tension-easing areas in Syria, which were discussed with representatives of the United States and Jordan, also changed the situation on the ground,” Lavrov said. “Everyone recognizes this,” he said.
“But we must be careful not to let the areas of tension relief become a step towards dividing Syria.”
