Ceasefire on entire territory of Syria would create favorable conditions for intra-Syrian negotiations - head of Federation Council committee
MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - Russia and Turkey's plan for a ceasefire in Syria can only be welcomed and, if the conflict parties heed such a call, it will create favorable conditions for peace talks, Viktor Ozerov, the head of the Federation Council's defense and security committee, said.
"Turkey has its spheres of influence among the so-called armed opposition and therefore any steps aimed at achieving a ceasefire can only be welcomed," Ozerov told Interfax on Wednesday.
"It's one thing when all healthy forces are fighting terrorists, but when one has to disperse one's efforts to the armed opposition as well, it creates a conflict inside of a conflict," he said.
The senator said Russia has always insisted that "besides the military track, there has to be a political track, there is a need for negotiations that could establish accord among the people of Syria to more effectively break the remaining resistance of ISIL (terrorist organization banned in Russia). Ozerov said over 1,000 populated areas in Syria have already joined the ceasefire.
"The foundation has been created, and if some armed opposition activists cease fire, it means that more favorable conditions will be created for peace negotiations, no matter where they are held - in Geneva, Astana or Turkey," the senator said.
The Turkish Anadolu news agency said earlier on Wednesday that the conflicting sides in Syria would be made an offer to cease fire at midnight on December 29 in accordance with the plan coordinated by Russia and Turkey.
The truce will not apply to terrorist organizations, it said.
If the truce lasts, the Syrian government and the opposition supported by Turkey and Russia will start political settlement consultations in Astana, and Turkey and Russia will guarantee the settlement process, the news agency said.
