Tough Negotiations Between Europeans and Russia: 'A Few Hours of Ceasefire in Syria Is Not Enough'

France and Germany, in a meeting with the President of Russia, have called for a longer and more sustainable ceasefire in Syria and to halt the relentless bombing of areas like Aleppo. The German Chancellor stated that the recent talks were 'tough negotiations.' Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, Francois Hollande, President of France, and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, along with the President of Ukraine, met on October 20 in Berlin. The main topics of discussion were the Ukraine crisis and the Syrian civil war. Russia is accused of supporting rebels and separatists in Ukraine, while in Syria, it has conducted extensive airstrikes in support of the President against the rebels. After the meeting, Hollande and Merkel participated in a joint press conference, criticizing the situation in Aleppo and the conditions faced by civilians in Syria. Hollande stated that halting attacks for just a few hours 'is of no benefit.' This refers to Russia's announcement on Monday that it would implement an eight-hour unilateral ceasefire in Aleppo on Thursday. Eastern Aleppo is the stronghold of the rebels and the main focus of airstrikes and battles by Bashar al-Assad's forces and their allies—from Iranian-organized militias to the Russian army. A UN spokesperson previously stated that a unilateral ceasefire is insufficient and that all parties must guarantee an end to violence and conflict. Merkel also stated in the joint press conference with Hollande that 'the main issue is that civilians in Aleppo are unable to continue living under the current unbearable conditions.' She mentioned, 'We are talking about criminal actions. Criminal actions against civilians.' However, Hollande went further, stating that what is happening in Syria constitutes a 'war crime.' Both leaders criticized Russia's 'attacks' on civilian gatherings 'under the pretext of fighting terrorism.' Vladimir Putin, after the negotiations with the European leaders and his Ukrainian counterpart in Berlin, held a separate press conference. Putin stated that Moscow has proposed to expedite the process of drafting and adopting a new constitution in Syria and at the same time indicated that Russia is ready to halt airstrikes for a longer period. The leaders of Russia and Ukraine, along with France and Germany, also discussed issues between Kyiv and Moscow. The heads of state noted that there have been advancements in negotiations regarding the roadmap aimed at implementing the Minsk peace agreement. In this context, '14 members of a family' were killed in the bombing of Aleppo, Syria. The European Union condemned Russia's attacks on Aleppo; the possibility of tightening sanctions on Syria is being considered. Will the fate of the JCPOA be tied to the fate of Syria and Yemen? Erdogan stated that Turkey has a 'historical responsibility' regarding Iraq. Rahim Safavi noted that the Mosul operation increases political and military pressure on Syria. The changing battlefield of 'proxy wars'; the war against the people in the streets of Iran. The first paragraph; the responsibility of the opposition and the possibility of radicalization in Iranian society. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iranian crisis. Trump: I hope there will be no need for further action regarding Iran; they were killing people indiscriminately. The shadow of war over Tehran; 'Trump is looking for decisive military options against Iran.' Trump emphasized 'stopping executions in Iran': we do not know what will happen in the future. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iranian crisis. Trump says if the Islamic Republic carries out an assassination against him, 'it will be wiped off the face of the earth.'