Talks with moderate Syrian opposition leaders lasted 2 months - Russian Defense Minister Shoigu
MOSCOW. Dec 29 (Interfax) - The Russian Defense Ministry "conducted negotiations with moderate Syrian opposition leaders for two months under Turkey's mediation," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"These groups are controlling the larger part of territory in central Syria that is not controlled by Damascus," Shoigu said.
"The overall strength of these groups is more than 60,000 militants," he said.
"In keeping with your instructions, the Defense Ministry was holding negotiations with leaders of moderate Syrian opposition groups for two months via Turkey's mediation," he said.
Taking part in the negotiations were "the most influential field commanders of seven opposition groups," he said.
Analogous work was simultaneously done with the Syrian government, he said.
"The negotiations ended up with aligning the parties' positions and signing three principal documents envisioning the cessation of hostilities, the establishment of a system to control its observance, and the organization of negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Syria," Shoigu said.
The Defense Ministry has established a hotline to maintain communication with Turkey, which, along with Russia, will act as a guarantor of observing the ceasefire and the agreements reached, he said.
"If you authorize the entry into effect of the said agreements, we are ready to enforce the cessation of hostilities and arrange permanent control over its observance. I believe all preconditions are in place now to stop the fighting in Syrian territory and arrange direct dialogue between the government of Syria and the opposition interested in preserving Syria's integrity and sovereignty," Shoigu said.
