Events in Syria have gone beyond idea of creation of safe zones - Churkin
NEW YORK. Feb 8 (Interfax) - The idea of introducing safe zones for refugees in Syria is late, Russian envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin said.
"The events in Syria have gone beyond the idea of creating safe zones," he said in an interview with Interfax.
"Thank God, a ceasefire regime is in place now, negotiations are beginning between the government of Syria and the opposition, including armed," Churkin said.
"Now is the time to speak about the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. They are returning to eastern Aleppo, for example," Churkin said.
"If we begin organizing some safe zones now, even if it happens correctly from the point of view of international law, specifically, with consultations with the government of Syria, I believe it will distract attention, forces and resources from the important task of returning people to their homes and ensuring normal life for them," Churkin said.
Churkin said he had not discussed this issue with the U.S. delegation in the UN. He also said that "the return of refugees to their permanent residences may give a second wind to the process of political settlement in Syria."