Russia: Putin 'positive' over Syria cease-fire, but calls for transparency
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 17 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Putin 'positive' over Syria cease-fire, but calls for transparency, 17 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58189db5a.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 17, 2016
Russian President Vladimir Putin (file photo)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he remained "positive" about the Syria cease-fire agreement struck with the United States last week but called for more transparency from Washington.
Putin, speaking in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, on September 17 said he was "positive rather than negative" but said Washington needed to be "honest."
Moscow has accused Washington of refusing to share details of the closed-door truce agreement.
"They don't want to make it public because the world community... will understand who is really not abiding to what," Putin said.
He also accused opposition rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key Russian ally, of using the cease-fire to "regroup."
He claimed that Washington was facing a "difficult problem" in separating the rebels from terrorists, in reference to the opposition's ties with Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front, and Islamic State militants.
The United States and Russia cancelled a scheduled United Nations Security Council meeting on the cease-fire on September 16 as signs emerged that the truce was fraying.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
