Putin sees real chance to consolidate ceasefire in Syria

ASTANA, June 9. /TASS/. Some "promising moments" have emerged in the Syrian settlement and there is a real chance to consolidate truce, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana. "Lately, promising moments have emerged in the Syrian crisis development and this is directly linked to launching a series of regular international meetings in Astana with the mediation of Russia, Turkey and Iran," Putin said. "The most important achievement is the agreement on ceasefire between the government forces and the armed opposition, and on creating de-escalation zones in Syria. Now on this basis a real chance has emerged to consolidate ceasefire and give an impetus to the intra-Syrian negotiating process in Geneva," the Russian leader said. The Russian president noted the growing role of the SCO’s regional anti-terror body. An important step to enhance the legal basis of its activity is the Convention on Combating Extremism, which the SCO leaders will sign on Friday, he said. "I’m sure that together we will step up efforts for the political and diplomatic settlement of regional conflicts, namely in the Middle East and in particular in Syria," Putin said. Read more