Lavrov: Ceasefire in Syria does not include terrorist groups

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the ceasefire agreement in Syria does not include terrorist organisations like Jabhat An-Nusra, its partners Ahrar Al-Sham and Jaysh Al- Islam.

Speaking yesterday, Lavrov told reporters that “the cessation of hostilities does not in any way include operations carried out by the Syrian government with the support from Russia against all terrorist organisations like Daesh and Jabhat An-Nusra and those who cooperate with them.”

“There are also a number of groups, both in eastern Ghouta and in Idlib presented by their Western partners and sponsors as moderates including Ahrar Al-Sham and Jaysh Al-Islam which cooperate with Jabhat An-Nusra which are included on the UN Security Council’s list of terrorist organisations,” he added.

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The Russian minister added that these groups are “legitimate targets for the Syrian armed forces operations and all those who support the Syrian army”.

The UN Security Council voted unanimously by 15 members on a draft resolution demanding “a 30-day cessation of hostilities throughout Syria”.