Brussel, SANA – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed that the results achieved by the Astana meetings on the crisis in Syria gave new momentum and additional dynamism to the current round of Syrian-Syrian dialogue in Geneva.

In a press conference with his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders, Lavrov said that Russia counts on making progress during this round of Geneva talks, adding that it is important that the opposition refrains from the preconditions and ultimatums and complies with the UN resolutions.

“We see some positive shifts [in Syria] as the agreements reached back in May in Astana to set up a few de-escalation zones are being implemented,” Lavrov said.

He added that a de-escalation zone was set up in southern Syria and the cessation of hostilities began as of last Sunday and the talks are continuing on the remaining three areas and will be completed during the next month.

In response to a question, Lavrov said that the document signed by Russian, US and Jordanian representatives in Amman includes an item that provides for an agreement on the establishment of a monitoring center in Jordan to monitor the implementation of the agreement to reduce tension in southern Syria.

For his part, the Belgian Foreign Minister expressed his country’s welcome to the agreement to establish and develop de-escalation zones in Syria.

M. al-Frieh/H. Said