Lavrov Rejects French Plans for Opposition Conference
SANA (state news agency)
November 25, 2016
Russian FM says proposed opposition conference organized by Paris will hinder any upcoming Syrian-Syrian peace talks
Russian FM says proposed opposition conference organized by Paris will hinder any upcoming Syrian-Syrian peace talks
After nearly six years, and due to the complexities and overlaps of international actors and players – regionally and internally – it became clear that the strings are no longer pulled by the Syrians or even regional states as the conflict has mutated into score-settling between super powers, chiefly the US and Russia
The push by Assad and his allies to achieve decisive victories before the end of Obama’s term, and the beginning of an unpredictable Trump presidency, could explain the brutality which they are employing against Aleppo, the Damascus countryside, and the eastern and western Ghoutas
Damascus has rejected a proposal from Moscow to host a broad conference for the Syrian opposition with “Russia’s guarantees” aiming to form an expanded opposition coalition ahead of possible peace negotiations in Geneva
Syrian opposition leader calls on Denmark and European friends of the Syrian people to help establish safe zones in Syria for civilians fleeing regime and Russian air strikes
Group of locals, including women and children, claim terrorist groups prevented from leaving the eastern neighborhoods several times amid a shortage of basic necessities
Air strikes on the province’s northern city hit a roof-tile workshop killing seven and wounding more than 10 others, according to activist
Key opposition leader discusses with French FM ways to lift the blockade of Syrian towns and cities by regime forces and Iranian-backed militias
Talks touched on bolstering cooperation in trade, investment, oil, gas and transport with the main goal of equipping Syria against the threat of terrorism
If Trump’s framework – partnerships and not hostility – finds a path to be implemented, then his policy in the Syrian issue will be better than that of his predecessor Obama, who gave up his role and delivered the issue to Russia, writes Fayez Sara
Israeli activists launch awareness campaign and call for communal prayers on Jewish holiday for the “hundreds of Syrians who are dying daily in Syria, men, women and children, while the world is silent”
Confusion heads political expectations worldwide, with cautious optimism and wishful thinking being shared between the current US administration, Russia, Iran and Assad, as concrete details around what a Trump presidency would look like remain unclear
Aleppo health directorate announces all civilian hospitals out of service due to Russian bombardment
Local Syrian sources and Russian officials claim “terror groups” fired on demonstrators and civilians attempting to flee the opposition-held eastern districts, reports media
Russian monitoring center confirms delivery as part of larger effort to provide over 17 tons of food and medical support to several provinces
Opposition negotiators trying to spare the area what happened in other areas, like Daraya and Moadamiya, especially given that the regime is trying to take control of the southern countryside of Damascus
The advent of Trump to the presidency is likely to draw the curtain on this era, which requires relying more than before on subjective factors, and inventing means of resistance which are less costly to the revolution, and less dependent on external support
Food production in Syria has declined to record levels due to fighting, lack of security, and weather conditions, putting millions at risk, according to the World Food Program
Russian defense ministry rejects claims by monitors and news outlets claiming jets struck three Aleppo hospitals in as little as 24 hours
Foreign ministry calls on chemical weapons watchdog to investigate purported crimes by opposition factions in Aleppo after Russia claims to have verified traces of toxic gases in recovered shells
