In Astana, where intra-Syrian talks were held a few days ago, a draft constitution for the Arab Republic prepared by the Russian Federation was presented. The opposition rejected it, considering it premature, but, as the RF Ministry of Defense noted, this draft is of a framework nature. It is important to note that this project is of a framework nature, it is designed to outline the basic principles of a possible state structure for Syria as a sovereign state,” Major General Stanislav Gadzhimagomedov, who led a group of Russian military experts at the talks in Astana, told reporters. Gadzhimagomedov said that representatives of the Syrian diaspora in Russia, which includes people of various political views, as well as authoritative orientalists, experts in the field of constitutional law and legislation, took part in the work on the draft. “The draft constitution is neutral and balanced. It takes into account both modern democratic principles and norms of a secular state, as well as internal Syrian traditions and customs that have been operating for centuries,” the head of the expert group specified. According to Gadzhimagomedov, Russia expects that the document developed will become a certain guideline. “It is built on a compromise basis, therefore it guarantees rights, taking into account the interests of both the current government and those who consider themselves to be its opposition. Undoubtedly, the Syrian people must form their constitution themselves, and it must take into account the interests of both the authorities and the opposition,” he said. “We also expect that this will become a unifying factor for all participants in the negotiation process and Syria),” he concluded. Answering the question about the main principles laid down in the text of the document, Gadzhimagomedov said: “The draft of the new constitution determines that Syria is a modern democratic state with a republican form of government. This state should be built on the principles of democracy, the rule of law and equality before it. At the same time, the multinational and multi-confessional Syrian people should be the only source of power.” “It is proposed to build the political system of the state on the basis of diversity and the formation of government bodies by democratic procedures,” he concluded. other armed groups will be out of politics and under the control of society.

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05.05.2017 (18:11)

A briefing for media representatives was held at the NCUO of the Russian Federation on the topic “Principles for the implementation of the memorandum signed in Astana on the creation of de-escalation zones on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic”

A briefing for media representatives was held at the National Defense Control Center of the Russian Federation on the topic “Principles for the implementation of the memorandum signed in Astana on the creation of de-escalation zones on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic.”

Performance
Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation
Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is holding a briefing on the main provisions and principles for the implementation of the Memorandum signed in Astana on the establishment of de-escalation zones on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The event is attended by the Chief of the Main Operational Directorate - First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Sergei Fedorovich Rudskoy and Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate, Lieutenant General Stanislav Israpilovich Gadzhimagomedov.

As you know, following the talks that took place over two days in the capital of Kazakhstan yesterday, the plenipotentiaries of Russia, Iran and Turkey signed a Memorandum on the establishment of de-escalation zones in Syria. The Memorandum enters into force tomorrow, i.е. May 6 from 00:00.

First, I would like to briefly inform you about how this agreement was prepared, who participated in this work, and what ideas it contains.

The document was prepared by the Russian Ministry of Defense on the direct instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to consolidate the cessation of hostilities in Syria.

The adoption of the document was preceded by thorough preparatory work with all participants in the negotiation process.

The issues of a political settlement in Syria have been repeatedly discussed by the President of the Russian Federation with the leadership of Turkey, the United States and other states.

In particular, the issue of de-escalation zones was discussed during the talks between the leaders of Russia and Turkey on May 3 in the city of Sochi.

The Russian Defense Minister held working meetings with the Defense Ministers of Iran, Turkey, Syria and Israel.

Permanent contacts were maintained through the intelligence services and foreign policy departments. A lot of work has been done with the Syrian leadership, the leaders of the armed opposition formations in order to convince them of the need to take practical steps to de-escalate the conflict.

The constructive attitude of Iran and Turkey, which supported the idea of ​​strengthening the cessation of hostilities, played an important role in the operational preparation of the Memorandum for signing.

The position of the United States, which welcomed steps to reduce violence in Syria, improve the humanitarian situation and create conditions for a political settlement of the conflict, had a positive significance in the issue of creating de-escalation zones.

The signing of the Memorandum was supported by the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, who welcomed the decisions to stop the use of weapons and expand the possibilities of humanitarian support for the population.

We highly appreciate the efforts of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Stefano De Mistura, who personally arrived in Astana with a group of highly qualified UN experts to facilitate the success of the negotiations.

The memorandum is a landmark document, the implementation of which will make it possible to separate the opposition from the international terrorist groups ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra on the ground.

Safe, unhindered humanitarian access to the de-escalation zones will be provided, which will allow the provision of medical, food and other necessary assistance to the population.

The restoration of infrastructure facilities will be organized, primarily water and energy supply.

All this will create conditions for the safe, voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

But most importantly, the implementation of the Memorandum will make it possible to stop the hostilities of the conflicting parties and actually stop the civil war in Syria.

That is why the document is important for a political settlement in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Not everyone likes it. At the same time, its signing is supported by all the main interested players: the UN, the US administration, the leadership of Saudi Arabia and other countries, which is a certain guarantee of its implementation.

Now I would like to give the floor to Colonel General Sergey Fyodorovich Rudsky, who will speak in more detail about the goals and objectives of the Memorandum, as well as about the measures the implementation of which is provided for by the document.

Performance
Chief of the Main Operational Directorate
General Staff of the RF Armed Forces
Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy

Good afternoon!

The command of the Russian group of troops carried out a set of measures that ensured the creation of favorable conditions for the signing of the Memorandum.

From 00:00 on May 1, the use of aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the areas corresponding to the de-escalation zones defined by the Memorandum was stopped.

On May 2-3, the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties, together with the leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic, organized the delivery of a humanitarian convoy of the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to the city of Duma in the Eastern Ghouta region.

Escort of 51 trucks with food and medicines was carried out by the military police unit of the Russian Armed Forces. The security of the convoy was constantly provided by four unmanned aerial vehicles.

At the same time, during the passage of a humanitarian convoy through a checkpoint on the demarcation line, Russian servicemen identified, neutralized and handed over to representatives of the Syrian security service a suicide bomber who had 10 kilograms of explosives and a grenade.

The memorandum provides for the creation of four de-escalation zones in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The first, the most extensive - in the north of Syria, captures the province of Idlib, as well as the northeastern regions of the province of Latakia, the western regions of the province of Aleppo and the northern regions of the province of Hama with a population of more than one million people bordering it. This zone is controlled by armed formations with a total number of 14.5 thousand people.

The second is located in the north of Homs province. It included the cities of Er-Rastan and Tel Bisa, as well as areas adjacent to them, controlled by opposition detachments, numbering up to 3,000 militants. About 180,000 civilians live in these areas.

The third is Eastern Guta. There are about 9,000 armed formations in this area.

About 690 thousand civilians live on the territory of Eastern Ghouta, for the unhindered movement of which the Syrian authorities have already deployed eight checkpoints. Many residents go to work in Damascus in the morning, and return home unhindered in the evening.

This zone does not include the Kabun region, which is completely controlled by the Jabgat al-Nusra militants and from where constant shelling of Damascus, including the Russian embassy, ​​is carried out. The operation to destroy the terrorists in the area will continue.

The fourth is in the south of Syria in the regions of the provinces of Deira and Quneitra bordering Jordan. This zone is mainly controlled by detachments of the so-called "Southern Front" with a total number of up to 15 thousand people. Up to 800,000 civilians live in this area.

If necessary, depending on the development of the situation, the Memorandum allows the formation of additional de-escalation zones.

Within the boundaries of the de-escalation zones, hostilities between government troops and armed opposition formations that have already joined or will join the cessation of hostilities cease.

This applies to the use of any type of weapons, including air strikes.

Particular attention in the Memorandum is paid to ensuring control over compliance with the cessation of hostilities.

To prevent incidents and clashes between the conflicting parties, security zones are being created along the borders of the de-escalation zones, which include observation posts to monitor compliance with the ceasefire regime and checkpoints to ensure the movement of the civilian population without weapons, the delivery of humanitarian aid and the promotion of economic activity.

The work of checkpoints and observation posts, as well as the management of security zones, will be carried out by the personnel and formations of Russia, Turkey and Iran. By mutual agreement of the guarantor countries, the forces of other parties may be involved.

At present, the command of the Russian group, under the leadership of the General Staff, is calculating the required number of checkpoints and observation posts, as well as the forces and means to ensure their activities.

Within two weeks, a Joint Working Group will be created from representatives of the guarantor countries, which by June 4, 2017 will submit for approval the exact boundaries of de-escalation zones and security zones, as well as maps of the separation of armed opposition formations from terrorist groups.

I want to emphasize that the signing of the Memorandum on the establishment of de-escalation zones in the Syrian Arab Republic does not mean the end of the fight against ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorists in Syria.

The guarantor countries undertake to take all necessary measures to continue the fight against the formations of these and other terrorist organizations associated with them in the de-escalation zones, as well as to assist government troops and the armed opposition in the fight against militants in other regions of Syria.

The forces of government forces released as a result of the establishment of de-escalation zones will be sent to continue the offensive against ISIS formations in central and eastern Syria, and to liberate areas along the Euphrates River.

The Russian Aerospace Forces will support these actions.

Thanks for attention.

A.V. Fomin: Now the floor is given to Lieutenant General Gadzhimagomedov Stanislav Israpilovich, who will talk about the details of the negotiation process in Astana.

Performance
Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate
General Staff of the RF Armed Forces
Lieutenant General Stanislav Gadzhimagomedov

Ladies and gentlemen!

The results of the negotiations in Astana were facilitated by active preliminary work with our partners. To this end, a working group of the Russian Defense Ministry held a working meeting with the leadership of Syria on April 25 in Damascus, and on April 26 in Ankara with representatives of Turkey and leaders of the opposition armed formations.

During the meetings, we explained in detail to our partners our approaches to creating security zones, the procedure for monitoring compliance with the agreements, organizing humanitarian access, and restoring peaceful life.

At the same time, delegations from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation carried out similar work in Tehran and Amman.

Already in the course of preliminary work, we managed to enlist the support of our initiatives by the guarantor countries and the warring parties.

The events held ensured the constructive mood of the representatives of Turkey, Iran, the UN, the government of Syria and the leaders of the armed opposition who arrived in the Kazakh capital for an international meeting.

Certain difficulties during the negotiations were caused by the lack of trust between representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition. But thanks to the coordinated actions of the delegations of the guarantor countries, targeted work with the opposition and the government delegation, we managed to reach acceptable solutions.

Despite the desire of all delegations to sign the document, the initial positions of the parties differed radically. First of all, this concerned the issues of ensuring the safety of the civilian population in the de-escalation zones and organizing control over the implementation of the ceasefire agreements by the parties to the conflict.

A feature of the talks in Astana is that the opposition does not involve politicians and emigrants, but field commanders of formations who really control the situation "on the ground."

Despite their confrontation with government forces, these people are aware of the responsibility for the future of a unified Syrian state.

In the course of fairly frank talks, common approaches to stabilizing the situation in Syria were worked out. We managed to coordinate the Memorandum with 27 field commanders of detachments operating directly in the de-escalation zones.

An important role in reaching the agreements was played by the constructive position of our partners from Iran and Turkey, who, as guarantor countries, assumed obligations to ensure the cessation of hostilities.

Particularly noteworthy is the significant contribution of the special envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Stefan de Mistura, who, at the most tense moments of the negotiations, held several personal meetings with the opposition and convinced them of the importance of the Memorandum for stabilizing the situation in Syria.

It is also important that the results of Astana are seen by Stephane de Mistura as a significant contribution to advancing the political dialogue in Geneva.

Significant assistance was provided by UN experts with extensive experience in peacekeeping, their practical recommendations were fully taken into account in the development of the Memorandum.

The success of the negotiations was also facilitated by the high level of organization of the meeting by the leadership of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At each stage of the negotiations, all delegations were supported by our Kazakh colleagues.

In the near future, the main efforts will be concentrated on the formation of the Joint Working Group on De-escalation, the preparation of maps with the coordinates of the security zones and buffer strips, and their coordination with the negotiating partners.

Reports on the activities of the Group will be heard during international meetings on the Syrian settlement within the framework of the Astana process.

In addition, together with partners, a mechanism will be formed for effective control over the implementation of the agreements, which Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy spoke about. We have already begun this work.

We intend to continue our work with partners to form additional confidence-building measures between the opposing sides. First of all, this concerns the release of persons who are forcibly held by the parties to the conflict, as well as humanitarian demining.

We count on further cooperation with our partners in the Astana process, observer countries, as well as on the support of our efforts by international organizations, primarily the UN.

Thank you for attention.

Questions from the media

The question of the correspondent of the KBS TV channel (Republic of Korea) Ekaterina Babayeva to Colonel General S.F. Rudsky

- After the entry into force of the Memorandum on the establishment of de-escalation zones in the Syrian Arab Republic, in which areas will the main efforts of the Russian Aerospace Forces to destroy terrorist groups be concentrated?

S.F. Rudskoy:

The establishment of de-escalation zones will allow government forces to release a significant number of troops. The Russian Aerospace Forces will continue to support the Syrian armed forces in the destruction of gangs of the international terrorist organization ISIS.

The main efforts will be directed to the development of an offensive to the east from Palmyra and the subsequent release of the city of Deir ez-Zor, which has been under siege by militants for more than three years, as well as the liberation of the northeastern territories in the province of Aleppo along the Euphrates River.

The question of the correspondent of the NHK TV channel (Japan) Yaroslav Kurashov to Lieutenant General S.I. Gadzhimagomedov

- What measures are provided for violators of the Memorandum on the establishment of de-escalation zones in the Syrian Arab Republic?

S.I. Gadzhimagomedov:

First of all, a thorough investigation will be carried out, based on the results of which a decision will be made on measures of influence against violators, not excluding suppression by fire weapons.

Question of the correspondent of TK Russia-24 Alexei Konopko to Colonel General S.F. Rudsky

- Does Russia plan to renew the Memorandum between Russia and the United States on preventing incidents in the airspace over Syria?

S.F. Rudskoy:

- This agreement is an effective tool to eliminate dangerous incidents in the air. After the strike of American cruise missiles on the Shayrat air base, the Russian side suspended its participation in this agreement.

The issue of Russia's return to full participation in the Memorandum on Incident Prevention in Syrian Airspace will be discussed in the course of bilateral contacts with American colleagues in the very near future.

A question from the correspondent of the news agency "Prensa Latina" (Cuba) Antonio Rondon Garcia to Lieutenant General A.V. Fomin

- Is it planned to expand the number of participants to establish de-escalation zones?

A.V. Fomin:

Yes, it is provided. At the moment we are working with Jordan and a number of other states.

A.V. Fomin: In conclusion of our meeting today, I would like to thank you for promptly responding to our invitation.

The Russian Ministry of Defense traditionally pays special attention to the issues of coverage of its activities. We will definitely continue informing about the most important events, including on the Syrian issue.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate all those present on the upcoming Great Victory Day and wish you a peaceful sky.

Thank you for attention.

The draft constitution for Syria, developed by Russian specialists, provides for the establishment of a republican form of government in the country. This was announced by the Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces, Major General Stanislav Gadzhimagomedov, who led a group of Russian military experts at the talks in Astana.

It is envisaged that the Syrian state should be built on the principles of democracy, the rule of law and equality before it, and the only source of power should be "the multinational and multi-confessional Syrian people."

According to Gadzhimagomedov, the document takes into account "both modern democratic principles and norms of a secular state, as well as intra-Syrian traditions and customs that have been operating for centuries." It is noted that representatives of the Syrian diaspora in Russia took part in the development of the document.

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