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press service of the international discussiong club “Valdai”
In the next two months we should expect the resumption of Russian-us consultations on Syria. The result should be the development of a joint strategy, which will form the basis for the settlement of the crisis in this country. While Washington is ready to facilitate the return of refugees and the involvement of the moderate opposition in peaceful dialogue. About this columnist of “Izvestia” Nikolay Surkov told arrived to Moscow under the invitation of club “Valdai”, the famous American expert on the Middle East, major General retired Paul vallely, who advised the special operations Command and other specialized structures of the Pentagon.
— Mr. Vallely, in his speech on the middle East the conference of the club “Valdai” you talked about settlement of the Syrian crisis and made it clear that they are a kind of “messenger”. What, in your opinion, can offer a new US administration?
— For the constructive cooperation of the Russian Federation and the USA first of all we need a meeting of the presidents of the two countries. A meeting like the one that took place between Gorbachev and Reagan in Reykjavik. Putin and trump should get together to discuss the situation in Syria and to agree on cooperation, to agree on a common strategy.
But don’t you think that now in the US, a lot of forces opposed to cooperation with Russia?
— Indeed, the Democrats and progressives are very anti-Russian. And without specific reasons. No evidence of hostile action on the part of Russia, they represent failed. Therefore we need a meeting of the presidents. I’m sure it will happen in the next two months and change the situation. Including — relationship of our military.
— While the Pentagon does not feel any special interest in cooperation with Russia. Moscow’s initiatives remain unanswered. American generals are confident that we can cope with the terrorists independently.
— This is a very naive approach. Unfortunately, they poorly represent the situation on the ground. I worked a lot in the region in 2012-2013. I’m the only senior military official who was in Syria, including in Aleppo. I had to deal with the “Free Syrian army” and the Syrian oppositionists, who found refuge in Turkey. I watched with my own eyes, as, with the support of Turkey gained power, Islamists in Syria on the roads and in the settlements there is a checkpoints, “al-Qaeda” (banned in Russia. — “News”), and we could not prevent it. Therefore, I can safely say that without cooperation with Russia will not solve the problem.
— You talked about a transitional government in Syria. But unless the moderate opposition is a real force?
— I’m working with the Syrian General, who left Syria in 2012. He and his associates had contacts still in Syria, in Damascus. This can play an important role in the process of creating a new security apparatus. It is hoped to integrate the moderate opposition groups into a new army. However, you first need to create a transitional government that will lead Syria after Assad’s departure and will unite the country.
— The fate of President Bashar al-Assad has long been a stumbling block in the negotiations on Syria. Why the US continues to insist on his resignation?
— Assad’s departure is necessary because he does not have leadership skills and authority to restore the unity of Syria. At the initial stage of the conflict many people were killed or affected by the actions of the authorities. The current regime has outlived its usefulness, as the Mubarak regime in Egypt.
— What tools of influence on the situation in Syria is the United States? Washington never officially admits to sending troops to this country.
— It was the policy of the Obama administration. However, de facto, in Syria there are groups of special operations Forces and intelligence officers. So the US has a “people on earth”, although we did not send armored or infantry units. American aircraft based in neighboring countries, strikes on jihadists in Syria. Large forces are concentrated in Jordan and in Kuwait.
— The United States now find themselves in a sticky situation. Washington is actively cooperating with the Syrian Kurds, but it annoys Turkey. Is there a way out of this situation?
— The US has always had very good ties with Turkey, with its military. The Pentagon is interested in using the base of Incirlik. With regard to the Kurdish question, for its solution requires cooperation between the new Syrian government, the Iraqi authorities and Turkey.
— How do you see the future of the settlement process in Syria?
— First we need to create a security zone in the West of Syria to the refugees, who are now in camps in Jordan and Turkey, could return home and begin the process of rebuilding the country. But a real revival of Syria will begin after neutralization LIH (banned in Russia. — “News”) and the liberation of the East of the country. Part of this process will be the establishment of a transitional government. It will also be necessary to prepare a plan for the rebuilding of infrastructure, industry and integration into civilian life of that generation of young people who grew up in conflict.
— Who should create a safety zone?
— The main role will play Russia, USA, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but the Iranian military and their allies from the Lebanese movement “Hezbollah” have to leave Syria. Of course, you need the participation of all Arab countries, which could provide financial assistance.