Israel welcomes Moscow’s activities in Syria, according to Israeli Ambassador to Russia Gary Koren who spoke at a meeting with the Chairman of Russia’s upper house of parliament committee on international affairs Konstantin Kosachev, TASS reported.
“We highly value Russia’s activities in Syria,” Koren said. “As far as peacemaking is concerned, ceasefire and humanitarian aid deliveries are welcome. Israel stands for putting and end (to violence) as soon as possible.”
The ambassador stressed the fact that Israel has been providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian refugees. “We have been assisting those Syrians who cross our borders, we try to provide them with medical assistance, saving their lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the ceasefire agreement in Syria is open to all who wish to join it, except for the terrorist groups Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra.
Omitting any mention the terrorist group Hezbollah, sponsored by Iran, as well as the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution (IRGC), both of whom are fighting on the side of the Assad regime, Lavrov said “the ceasefire is open to all armed groups that may decide to join it, but, naturally, not to the Islamic State and Nusra, whatever it may be called.”
Lavrov also stressed that Russia is “ready for discussions, talks, ready to hear assessments and ideas that the new US administration will have.” He added that “as soon as the leadership of the US Department of State is completely formed, I’m convinced that we’ll enter into contact and establish a full-fledged regular dialogue.”
At which point the two super powers may have to reach a decision over the inclusion of Iran and its proxy Hezbollah in a permanent arrangement, seeing as President Trump has recently tweeted regarding the Islamic Republic:
“Iran is rapidly taking over more and more of Iraq even after the U.S. has squandered three trillion dollars there. Obvious long ago!”
And “Iran has been formally PUT ON NOTICE for firing a ballistic missile. Should have been thankful for the terrible deal the U.S. made with them!”
And “Iran was on its last legs and ready to collapse until the U.S. came along and gave it a life-line in the form of the Iran Deal: $150 billion.”
And, most notably: “Iran is playing with fire – they don’t appreciate how ‘kind’ President Obama was to them. Not me!”
Iran is playing with fire – they don’t appreciate how “kind” President Obama was to them. Not me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2017
