Russia wants quick UN vote for Syria ‘de-escalation zones’

The Security Council says Russia wants a vote this week on a resolution supporting a deal hammered out by Russia, Turkey and Iran to set up “de-escalation zones” in Syria.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

09 May, 2017

Syria's de-escalation zones [AFP]

The UN Security Council president says Russia wants a vote early this week on a resolution supporting a deal hammered out by Russia, Turkey and Iran to set up “de-escalation zones” in mostly opposition-held parts of Syria.

Uruguay’s Ambassador Elbio Rosselli told several reporters Monday that “there are consultations ongoing” on the text.

Several other council diplomats said a vote Monday or Tuesday — as Moscow is seeking — is highly unlikely, explaining that they need details on the zones.

Sweden’s UN Ambassador Olof Skoog said “the de-escalation agreement is meant to help and support the UN-led political process in Geneva, which for us is key.”

He said it’s urgent that the agreement “leads to immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for UN agencies and partners to the four zones.”

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said on Monday that Damascus would reject the involvement of United Nations in monitoring the implementation of the four "de-escalation" zones in Syria.

"We do not accept a role for the United Nations or international forces to monitor the agreement," he told reporters in Damascus.

Russia, Iran and Turkey agreed a deal on Thursday to implement four 'de-escalation zones' in Syria, where regime forces and rebel fighters will cease hostilities.

According to the deal, the areas will be surrounded by "security zones" with checkpoints and observation centres "ensured by the forces of the guarantors by consensus". It also said that "third-party" monitors could be deployed.