Moscow, SANA-Russian Defense Ministry announced on Friday that the memorandum on setting up de-escalation areas in Syria allows the isolation of terrorists from the “armed opposition” and that it will come into force on the midnight of May 6th.

In a press conference, Chief of the Russian General Staff Main Operations Department Sergey Rudskoy said that signing of the memorandum on setting up de-escalation zones in Syria could not mean that the fight against terrorist organizations is over, adding that the guarantor states will continue the joint efforts to combat terrorist organizations.

“Setting up de-escalation zones will improve the position of the government troops. The Russian Aerospace Force will continue supporting them in their operations aimed at eliminating militants of the Islamic State international terror group,” he added.

Rudskoy pointed out that the focus will be on the offensive east of Palmyra and the liberation of Deir Ezzor which has been besieged by militants for three years now, as well as on the liberation of the southeastern areas of the Aleppo Governorate.

He said that a joint working group will be established from representatives of the guarantor countries.

“In order to prevent incidents and combat engagements between the conflicting parties, security areas will be established along the borders of de-escalation zones to include observation posts for control of the ceasefire compliance and checkpoints to provide for the movement of unarmed civilians, the delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance to economic activity,” he added.

He pointed out that the memorandum allows for increasing the number of these areas in the future.

“From 00:00 on May 1, Russia stopped to use its air force in area designated as de-escalation zones in the memorandum,” he said.

Manar/ Ghossoun