Russia: Bashar al-Assad's Statements Are Not Aligned with Moscow's Diplomatic Efforts

Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador and representative to the United Nations, reacted on Thursday, February 18, to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's statements regarding the continuation of the war, stating that these remarks are not in line with Russia's diplomatic efforts. He also warned Syrian officials not to oppose the peace plan. Last week, Bashar al-Assad stated that government forces would continue the fight to reclaim all of Syria from opposition forces, but due to the 'intervention' of regional players, this solution would take a long time. According to Reuters, Vitaly Churkin said that Russia helped Bashar al-Assad change the course of the conflict in Syria in his favor, and now he must align with Russia's efforts and commit to peace negotiations. The Russian representative at the UN stated that Moscow is working towards a peaceful solution for the Syrian crisis, but the attempt to reclaim all of Syria is a futile effort that can only prolong the war in the country for an indefinite period. In response to a question from the newspaper 'Kommersant' regarding Bashar al-Assad's statements, Churkin said: 'I heard the statements of Bashar al-Assad on television, and they are certainly not aligned with the diplomatic efforts that Russia is making. Negotiations and discussions are currently focused on the issue of a ceasefire and ending hostilities in the foreseeable future.' Seventeen countries in the International Support Group for Syria, including Russia and the United States, reached an agreement on February 11 in Munich on a plan to end hostilities, establish a ceasefire, and send humanitarian aid to besieged cities and areas in Syria. Churkin continued to say that actions are currently underway to implement the Munich agreement. The entry of Russian air forces into the war in Syria has brought an advantage in the conflicts for Syrian government forces. Government forces, along with Shiite militias, have now managed to take control of parts of northern Aleppo. According to Reuters, some unconfirmed reports indicate that Bashar al-Assad has refused to meet with some opposition figures as proposed by Russia. This report adds that the statements of the Russian representative and ambassador to the UN are a serious sign of Moscow's dissatisfaction with Bashar al-Assad's stubbornness in accepting a solution to end the war in Syria. However, Vitaly Churkin stated that if Syrian officials follow what Russia proposes to end this crisis, they will have the opportunity to exit this crisis with dignity. He added: 'Of course, this is my personal opinion, but if they deviate from this line, very difficult conditions will arise, including for the people of Syria. The entry of Russian air forces has provided this opportunity for government forces to push back the opposition from around Damascus.' The Russian ambassador warned that if Syrian officials think they do not need a ceasefire and must fight until victory, then this conflict will be very prolonged, which is even terrifying to imagine. The civil war in Syria has left over 250,000 dead and displaced millions from their homes over the past five years.