Moscow, SANA – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated his country’s call for forming a united front to fight terrorism, stressing that this must be done in coordination with the Syrian government.

In a joint press conference with Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano in Moscow, Lavrov said that the eradication of ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra, and other groups which are classified as terrorist organizations by the UN Security Council in Syria or Iraq or the rest of the world is a common interest for all.

“We are calling on those who were invited to Syria by the legitimate government and those who are there without such invitation, but who declared fighting terrorists as their goal, to coordinate their actions. This includes coordination with the Syrian government as well,” Lavrov added.

Lavrov pointed out that Russia worked on this approach with the previous US administration by seeking to separate the so-called “moderate opposition” from the terrorists, but the US side failed to implement the agreement, noting that this path has been resumed via the Astana platform in cooperation with the Iranians and the Turks.

Gatilov: Russia assumes its duty in Syria to support the cessation of hostilities agreement

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov affirmed that Russia assumes its duty in Syria without any request from the Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, to support the cessation of hostilities agreement.

Gatilov told reporters that Russia does all that is required as a guarantor state and without any demand from de Mistura.

He pointed out that Russia performs its duties accurately, but de Mistura should direct such calls to the external players who still support the armed opposition.

Gatilov added that this issue will be discussed tomorrow in details.

Manar al-Freih /Mazen/ Hazem Sabbagh