Russia FM: US withdrawal from Syria would contribute to a comprehensive settlement

Russia understands the importance of the US’ decision to withdraw its troops from Syria and this “is going to contribute to a comprehensive settlement of the situation”, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

“We do not completely comprehend all the reasons and incentives behind this move, and moreover there is no clarity regarding the temporary withdrawal schedule for the US military. Moscow is still being guided by media reports that the full withdrawal of US ground forces from northeastern Syria, the Al-Tanf area, may be carried out in two to three months,” she added.

According to the Russian official, “an essential question arises: who will inherit control over the territories vacated by the Americans? Obviously, that should be the Syrian government, in accordance with international law and considering the path that Syria and the Syrian people have travelled down.”

“However, right now we have no information on contacts between Washington and Damascus on the issue,” she added.

“Does it mean that the Americans may continue air strikes and restricted land operations on Syrian territory from home bases beyond this Arab republic? The question is still open,” she said.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced the US-led coalition has succeeded in militarily defeating Daesh in Syria, adding that as a result US troops would be withdrawn from the country.

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