The five leaders discussed in detail the Syrian crisis in the context of implementing the joint Russian-US agreement, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group, on cessation of hostilities in Syria starting February 27, 2016.
The leaders gave a positive assessment of the Russian-US agreements, which have received the UN Security Council’s support. They noted with satisfaction that the ceasefire is being generally respected and is already producing its first positive results. Most importantly, it creates conditions for launching a political settlement process in Syria through organisation of intra-Syrian dialogue under the UN aegis.
The leaders expressed support for the settlement roadmap that received the International Syria Support Group’s backing and was approved by UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254. Mr Putin noted that the Syrian authorities’ decision to hold parliamentary elections in April 2016 respects Syria’s constitution and does not hinder the efforts to organise the peace process.
The leaders expressed their readiness to intensify joint action to resolve serious humanitarian problems and stressed the need for all parties to the conflict to respect in full the ceasefire, and the importance of continuing a resolute combat against ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra and other terrorist organisations.
The exchange of views was constructive and motivated in spirit and the five leaders agreed to work actively to facilitate all efforts by the International Syria Support Group and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura to end the many years of bloodshed and violence in Syria.