Kremlin: No political settlement in Syria before defeat of terrorism

The duration of Russian operation in Syria depends on the situation in the fight against terrorism in this country, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday.

Answering a question on the duration of Russian military operation in Syria, Peskov said it will depend "on the situation in the fight against terrorism and extremism." "Russian operation in Syria is aimed to support the Syrian Armed Forces during the offensive as they are fighting against terrorist and extremist organizations," he added.

He also reminded about Moscow’s position that "any political settlement [in Syria] is hard to reach before a serious blow is delivered to forces of terrorism and extremism."

Only Syrian people can decide on Assad’s future

The official also stressed that only Syrian people can decide on President Bashar al-Assad’s political future.

"Only Syrians can determine the political future of Bashar Assad," Peskov said adding that today’s talks in Vienna will focus not "on Assad’s fate but on the Syrian settlement."

He added that the "search for a political resolution of the Syrian conflict has no alternative."

Speaking about the role of Kurds in the discussion of the conflict resolution, Peskov said that "all the interested sides were taking part [in the Vienna talks], mainly states, which can make a contribution into the settlement."
 http://tass.ru/en/politics/832845
30/10/15
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