Russian operation in Syria brought restoration of peace in this country closer - ambassador

GENEVA, March 15. /TASS/. The Russian military in Syria has accomplished its mission, which was not only solving military tasks but also restoring peace, Russia's Ambassador to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva Alexei Borodavkin told reporters on Tuesday. "The main part of the Russian military grouping is withdrawn from Syria due to the fact that our military has completed its mission there," he said. "The actions of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria were aimed not only at solving purely military tasks. The aim was to restore peace in this country. The Russian military’s actions in Syria are a good example of how the military might can help achieve peacemaking foreign policy goals." "In connection with the withdrawal of the main part of the military grouping from Syria Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Foreign Ministry to intensify Russia's participation in the Syrian peace process," Borodavkin said. "Here in Geneva where the intra-Syrian talks on resolving the Syrian crisis began yesterday we will fulfill the task set by the country’s leadership in coordination with the Syrian government delegation, representatives of the moderate opposition, UN envoy for Syria de Mistura and our U.S. partners as well as other members of the International Syria Support Group." Borodavkin noted that "we meet and consult with de Mistura and his team, U.S. diplomats and the military on a daily basis several times a day, we increased Russia’s presence in the UN negotiation group." "It now comprises Vitaly Naumkin, the director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences," the diplomat went on to say. "We effectively cooperate with the member-states of the target groups on a ceasefire and on humanitarian issues, which hold meetings at the Palace of Nations in Geneva on a weekly basis." Read more