Lavrov: Combating terrorists in southern Syria tops most important priorities

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed that the task of combating terrorism in southern Syria is still one of the most important priorities, pointing out that the agreement on the de-escalation zones does not apply to the fight against terrorists there.

During a press conference on Wednesday in Moscow with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, Lavrov said that talks dealt with the need for a political solution to the crisis in Syria and preserving its sovereignty and unity, and to get rid of Daesh (ISIS) and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organizations in south Syria.

The Russian top diplomat stressed that the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria should be lifted and the return of displaced Syrians to their country must be secured.

Lavrov pointed out that during the last month, terrorist organizations launched attacks on the Syrian Army and civilians and that is why the Syrian army carried out operations against these organizations.

He noted that the Washington has pledged to separate the “moderate opposition” from terrorists, but has not succeeded so far as these factions which Washington considers moderate are fighting alongside al-Nusra in southern Syria.

Lavrov also called for expanding reconciliations which included a large number of villages and towns in south Syria where the situation is good and the displaced can return to their homes, stressing that fighting terrorism will continue in order to create the most appropriate conditions for those who left their homes to return as soon as possible.

SANA