Day: February 16, 2017

Deraa, Syria The UN special envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura officially confirmed the postponement of the start of inter-Syrian talks in Geneva from 20 to 23 February. This was stated by the special representative of the President of Russia SAR, Alexander Lavrentyev, reports “Interfax”. The head of the Russian delegation noted that the UN representatives participated in the consultations in Astana, and expressed full support to the talks. “They are considering “the format of the Astana” Astana process as a very important component of the inter-Syrian settlement and hope for good results that will help launch a political process in Geneva area”, — said the Lavrentiev. He also confirmed the readiness to provide full support for the talks in Geneva. 15-16 February in Astana there is another round of consultations and negotiations in the framework of the Astana process to resolve the situation in Syria. On 27 January Minister

James Mattis Negotiations with Russia must lead from a position of strength. As reported by CNN, said Wednesday, February 15, the Pentagon chief James Mattis meeting with defense Ministers of countries-members of NATO. “We remain open to opportunities to restore cooperation with Moscow, but at the same time, realistic in their expectations and recommendations of our diplomats to negotiate from a position of strength,” said Mattis. As noted by the head of the Pentagon, despite attempts to communicate with Moscow, NATO must be prepared to defend yourself in the case that “Russia wants to act contrary to international law”. At the same time, he added that, “like the darkest days of the cold war, the United States remains willing to maintain open channels for political cooperation and de-escalation of tension”. In mid-January Mattis, who was then the candidate for Minister of defense, called Russia the main threat to the United

The U.S. Department of defense is considering the deployment in the North of Syria’s regular land forces to combat terrorist group “Islamic state” (IG, is prohibited in Russia). It is reported by CNN, citing a source in the Pentagon. “Perhaps you will see how the regular armed forces land at some time in Syria,” — said the interlocutor of the channel. However, he noted that the final decision rests with the President of the United States Donald trump. Currently in Syria there are only American special forces, whose main task — the training of opposition fighters opposing ISIS. In late January, the US President Donald trump tasked his administration to find new foreign partners for the coalition leading the fight against “Islamic state”. He instructed to proceed immediately to the creation of a comprehensive plan to defeat ISIS. Within 30 days the Minister of defence James Mattis obliged to submit