Russian deputy defense minister, UN rep discuss situation around Syrian truce, aid delivery to de-escalation areas
MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Defense Minister Lieut. Gen. Alexander Fomin has called on the United Nations to step up its humanitarian activity in Syria's de-escalation areas, the Defense Ministry said after Fomin's meeting with UN deputy special envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy.
"Alexander Fomin noted UN efforts to facilitate Astana contacts and the progress achieved in terms of keeping the ceasefire in place, and also emphasized the need for the UN to step up its humanitarian activity in the de-escalation areas in Syria," the ministry said.
The meeting, which took place in Moscow on Wednesday, focused on a broad spectrum of issues concerning the Syrian conflict settlement, the ministry said.
"The parties stressed the importance of continuing the international efforts in Astana and Geneva to assist Syrians with searching for ways towards de-escalation, strengthening and consolidating the cessation of hostilities, combating terrorism, solving humanitarian problems and creating favorable conditions for a political settlement," the ministry said.
At the end of the meeting the two officials agreed to continue cooperating on Syria, the ministry said.