Rohani, Putin talk Syria over phone, stress coop.

TEHRAN, Dec. 25 (MNA) – Iranian and Russian presidents have discussed the situation in Syria after liberation of Aleppo in a phone conversation this evening. President Hassan Rouhani pointed in his phone conversation with President Vladimir Putin to achievements and victories of Syrian Army over terrorist groups, particularly in Aleppo and added that “this victory sent the message to terrorists that they will not achieve their goals and along with these victories, political negotiations must begin, too.” Rouhani deemed the upcoming talks in Kazakhstan capital Astana a step forward and described the country a proper place for peace negotiations between Syrian government and opposition groups. He also expressed condolences to Russian government and nation over assassination of Russian ambassador to Turkey in Ankara; “the terror indicates necessity of awareness; as terrorist have turned to new faces and forms in their acts of terrorism.” President Rouhani emphasized on liberation of all Syrian people who are under the control of terrorist groups and highlighted the need for supplying medicines and humanitarian aids to Syrian people. “It is necessary to be warned against terrorists groups taking advantage of ceasefires for reinforcement and turning other important places of the country to their bastion,” he said while stressing the recent victories of the government. Russian President Putin for his part felicitated the victory of Syrian Army in Aleppo and asserted that “cooperation and coordination between Tehran and Moscow which has been in line with constructive policies in international levels will continue.” “Outcome of this cooperation between the two countries was a great triumph in international fight against terrorism and now, along with fight against terrorists, these victories should be led toward negotiations,” he highlighted. “Our proposal is that peace process for Syria can begin in Kazakhstan.” The two presidents also emphasized on continuation of cooperation, consultations and coordination between Tehran and Moscow.