Russia calls for responsible approach to verification of ceasefire violations in Syria - Russian diplomat

MOSCOW, February 29. /TASS/. Russia calls for a responsible approach to verification of ceasefire violations in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Monday. "We are worried over the fact that since the very first hours after the ceasefire came into effect this new regime has been subjected to information attacks. We see anonymous reports about alleged ceasefire violations by the Syrian authorities and the Russian side," he said. The Russian side calls on all "who takes part in the analysis and verification of such reports ‘on the other side’ to demonstrate maximum responsibility," Ryabkov stressed. "Our military are working through hot-line channels. All telephone and e-mail contacts have not simply been made public, they have been tested. People know each other personally," the Russian diplomat noted. "Cooperation between the military has been established. Certain structures have been set up in Geneva to monitor the situation. There are similar structures in Amman, at our base at Khmeimin." "We verify such information and I would like to say that as of today there is no proof of what these reports are seeking to say," he said. "Russia is strictly observing agreements that were reached with its direct participation. It cannot be otherwise." "Instead of trying to shift responsibility for the fragile ceasefire onto Russia by means of dishonest methods, members of the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition should better bring to heel some of those they supervise to demonstrate more responsibility towards the situation," Ryabkov said. Read more