Alwaght-The International Syria Support Group (ISSG) talks on Friday adopted a document consisting of three main parts devoted to humanitarian aid delivery, political process and cessation of hostilities.
A press conference to announce the outcomes of the ISSG meeting in Munich was held by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, his U.S. counterpart John Kerry and the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura.
Lavrov said the ISSG members committed to the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254, including humanitarian aid, the political process and a ceasefire, which excludes organizations designated as terrorist by the UN Security Council.
He welcomed what was agreed on regarding principles to reach a solution and ensure humanitarian access to all besieged areas without any exception.
He expressed concern about the terrorist groups’ hindering of humanitarian aid delivery by the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to the terrorist-besieged Kefraya and al-Fouaa towns in Idleb, noting that the ISSG issued a denunciation statement addressing this issue.
Lavrov clarified that it was agreed to form a task force chaired by the US and Russia that will meet tomorrow in Geneva to help humanitarian organizations comply with their commitments towards the civilians.
“We will work with the Syrian government and the opposition that is communicating with us [for humanitarian access],” said Lavrov, hoping that the US and the ISSG members will exercise influence on the opposition to fully cooperate with the UN.
He noted that humanitarian aid will be delivered by air, especially in Deir Ezzor and in other areas where necessary, but the most part of work should be done by land.
As for the cessation of hostilities, Lavrov said the task is a “thorny” one as there are many warring parties. “We are trying to unify our efforts to exercise influence on the groups on the ground through these countries,” he added.
Cessation of hostilities will commence in one week, during which period the Syrian government and the opposition groups will be able to take the necessary steps for a ceasefire, said Lavrov, adding that a task force has been established for the purpose that will be chaired by Russia and the US and includes diplomats and military personnel to know what takes place on the ground.
The task force, he explained, will delineate the territory held by ISIS, al-Nusra Front and other groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations Security Council, “which is a special step in the right direction.”
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also said the Syrian truce does not include areas held by terrorist groups. He also said there were many challenges at the meeting, while some parties insisted on their wrong policies.
