Merkel and Macron call on Russia to exert pressure on Assad
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron called on Russian President Vladimir Putin “to exert maximum pressure on the Syrian regime” in order to implement an immediate ceasefire in eastern Ghouta. The press service of the German government reported on the telephone conversation between the three leaders on Sunday, February 25th.
According to the report, the three leaders agreed to the UN Security Council resolution, which calls on all parties to the conflict to establish a minimum of a 30-day ceasefire to provide humanitarian assistance and evacuate people from areas affected by the fighting.
Merkel and Macron stressed that it is important to immediately and fully implement the UN resolution.
“Russia must use its influence on the Syrian regime to bring about an immediate ceasefire,” the report said.
According to those involved, the ceasefire must become the basis for the promotion of a political solution within the framework of the Geneva peace process under the auspices of the United Nations.
“The Chancellor and the President of France stressed that both countries are still ready to cooperate with Russia and other international partners to achieve this,” the Bundestag said.
More than 500 civilians have been killed as a result of the last seven days of bombing in east Ghouta by the Bashar Assad regime in Syria.