Rome, SANA – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed the need for all foreign forces present in Syria without Syrian government’s approval to withdraw after the defeat of Daesh (ISIS) terrorist organization.

In a speech delivered at the Rome MED – Mediterranean Dialogues conference, Lavrov said that Russia expects everyone – including the United States – to commit to what was stated by US State Secretary Rex Tillerson and other Washington politicians who claimed that the US’ only goal in Syria is fighting Daesh.

He said that Russia believes that following the victory over Daesh, all foreign forces active in Syria without invitation by the government and without Security Council authorization must withdraw.

Lavrov said that the de-escalation zones agreement reached via the Astana process changed the situation on the ground, warning against using them as a step to divide Syria.

Hazem Sabbagh