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Creation of De-escalation Zones Would Be Temporary Measure - Syrian Opposition

© Sputnik / Bolat Shayhinov / Go to the mediabankParticipants in a meeting on Syria in Astana
Participants in a meeting on Syria in Astana - Sputnik International
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The delegation of the armed Syrian opposition in Astana views the possible creation of zones of de-escalation of tensions in Syria as a temporary measure and not a substitute for the political process, the opposition delegation said in its address to the ceasefire guarantor states, seen by Sputnik.

ASTANA (Sputnik) — The opposition is calling for a "confirmation that any decision on Syria and any settlement should start simultaneously with the political transition and respect to the territorial integrity of Syria," the statement reads.

The opposition is "against any projects that imply dividing Syria in practical or legal terms. Creating security zones is a temporary measure for de-escalation… and not an alternative for the political transition," the statement continues.

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On Monday, Fatih Hassoun, a representative of the Syrian armed opposition, told Sputnik that Russia had made proposals aimed at creating zones of de-escalation.

According to the documents obtained by Sputnik, Russia proposed to set up four security zones — in the Idlib province, to the north of the city of Homs, in Eastern Ghouta and in the south of the country.

The new round of the Astana talks, which brings together the sides to the Syrian conflict — Damascus and armed opposition, as well as three ceasefire mediator states — Russia, Iran and Turkey, kicked off on Wednesday, while a meeting at the experts level took place on Tuesday.

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The first three rounds of talks on the Syrian settlement brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran, were held in Kazakh capital of Astana on January 23-24, February 15-16 and March 14-15. During the talks, the participants agreed to set up a ceasefire monitoring group, among other points.

The civil war in Syria has been lasting for around six years with government troops fighting against numerous opposition factions and terror organizations such as al-Nusra Front and Daesh, outlawed in Russia.

The nationwide Syrian ceasefire regime was introduced on December 30, 2016. Terrorist organizations are not part of the ceasefire.

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