Putin, Trump agree to continue effort to defeat IS in Syria; put focus on political solution

Danag, November 11: The two most conflicting nations on international issues, Russia and US finally released a joint press release on Syria issue. US President Donald Trump, Russia President Vladimir Putin agreed to continue efforts until the final defeat of ISIS is achieved. Most importantly they agreed there is no military solution to the conflict in Syria.

The joint statement has put high importance on political solution of the issue. They confirmed that the ultimate political solution to the conflict must be forged through the Geneva process pursuant to UNSCR 2254. The Presidents affirmed their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, territorial integrity, and non-sectarian character, as defined in UNSCR 2254, and urged all Syrian parties to participate actively in the Geneva political process and to support efforts to ensure its success.

Earlier this year, Russia, Iran, Turkey launched de-escalation zones in Syria. Russia has always been highlighting the importance of de-escalation zones in the country. Finally, President Trump and President Putin confirmed the importance of de-escalation areas as an interim step to reduce violence in Syria, enforce ceasefire agreements, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access, and set the conditions for the ultimate political solution to the conflict.

The two Presidents discussed the ongoing need to reduce human suffering in Syria and called on all UN member states to increase their contributions to address these humanitarian needs over the coming months.