Washington: Russia must do its part to uphold the ceasefire in Syrian southwest de-escalation zone
Washington believes that the Syrian authorities are fighting in the southwestern portion of the country, in violation of a de-escalation regime that has been in place there since summer 2017. The US is hoping that Moscow will help reduce resultant tensions, stated US Deputy Representative to the United Nations Jonathan Cohen during an open debate at the UN Security Council on the topic of the "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: [A] Comprehensive Review of the Situation in the Middle East and North Africa."
"Russia has the ability to stop a military escalation that is happening in the region as we speak," Cohen stated. According to the US diplomat, "In Syria, the Assad regime has launched an offensive in the southwest de-escalation zone negotiated by Jordan, Russia, and the United States."
Cohen asserted that "yet again, we are seeing the Syrian regime launch airstrikes, artillery, barrel bombs, and rocket attacks that are displacing tens of thousands of people." According to him, it is "a clear violation of an agreement that was meant to save lives and promote a political solution in Syria."
"The ceasefire reflects a commitment between [US] President Trump and [Russian] President Putin, and the United States remains determined to uphold our commitment," Cohen said. He added that Washington "expect[s] Russia to do its part to uphold the ceasefire that it helped establish."
Karen Pierce, Britain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, also stated at the debate that "there have been reports of artillery shelling and air strikes during the weekend in the de-escalation zone in south-west Syria, which causes deep concern." According to Pierce, available information indicates that these military actions are being conducted by Damascus.
Pierce continued by saying that "an offensive operation by the Syrian government would be a blatant violation of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities and the agreement on de-escalation, of which Russia is a party." She urged the parties "having influence on the situation" help reduce tensions in this area.