Zarif: The Ceasefire Should Not Lead to the Reorganization of Certain Groups in Syria

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated on Monday, February 15, in a joint press conference with Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, that the ceasefire agreed upon in Munich should not lead to the reorganization of allies of certain regional actors in Syria. According to Reuters, Zarif said, 'We are not trying to exploit diplomacy for our own benefit, but some should not use diplomacy to protect groups like al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State (ISIS).' He added, 'What was agreed upon in Munich was a ceasefire to end hostilities, not a pause that leads to the reorganization of allies of certain regional actors.' Reuters notes that these remarks by the Iranian Foreign Minister are somewhat a criticism of Saudi Arabia's approach to the Syrian civil war. While Russia and Iran support Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey support the opposition groups. Meanwhile, Federica Mogherini also stated that there are no signs of a new Cold War between Russia and the West in light of the ceasefire agreement in Syria. Seventeen countries in the International Support Group for Syria reached an agreement in Munich on a plan for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to besieged cities and areas in Syria. However, a day later, Dmitry Medvedev, the Prime Minister of Russia, likened the escalation of tensions between Russia and the West to a new 'Cold War.' Mogherini responded to reporters on Monday regarding the Russian Prime Minister's remarks, saying, 'I have not seen signs of a Cold War atmosphere in recent days.' Despite the ceasefire agreement and humanitarian aid to besieged areas, in recent days, Syrian government forces, with Russian air support, have conducted operations against opposition groups around Aleppo. Reports also indicate that Syrian Kurdish groups have managed to take a city near the Turkish border from the control of Islamist fighters. Mogherini also mentioned that she will visit Iran in June. The EU's foreign policy chief stated that in her discussions on Monday night with Zarif, they would negotiate issues such as Syria, bilateral relations between Iran and the EU, and the nuclear agreement. According to ISNA, Zarif also pointed out that 'we are on the right track regarding sanctions' and emphasized that there are psychological elements that need to be addressed. He believes that European countries should provide more guarantees for their financial institutions, as we have a new situation that everyone, including the U.S., encourages. He expressed hope that the U.S. would also effectively and sustainably fulfill its commitments regarding the implementation of the JCPOA. In this context, the UN and the U.S. condemned attacks on hospitals in Syria. Turkey issued a strong warning to Syrian Kurdish forces. Zarif noted that changes in Saudi Arabia's approach to Syria are on the agenda for Brussels meetings. Turkey will continue its attacks on Syrian Kurdish militants. Adel al-Jubeir stated that Russia will not succeed in saving Bashar al-Assad.