By Aaron Miller-
Russia and America are in direct talks to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, Syria, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.
“We are in a very active phase of talks with our American counterparts both in Geneva and in Amman; we are frequently in touch with Washington,” Shoigu told TV channel Rossiya 24 on Monday.
“We are moving step by step closer to a plan – and I’m only talking about Aleppo here – that would really allow us to start fighting together to bring peace so that people can return to their homes in this troubled land.”
The news of co-operation between the two countries is very welcoming, after expressed concerns of heightened tension between them. Those tensions have not necessarily disappeared, but should be easier to address, now that they seem to be on talking terms.
The two super -powers are working hard to resolve the situation in Syria in a very concrete and organised way, according to Shoigu, who explained that all of the suggestions are aimed at preserving the country’s territorial integrity and fighting terrorism, while the sides believe that the rest can be worked out at the negotiation table.
SHOCKING
Shockingly,Shoigu explained that, despite being feared in the West, Islamist militants are actually unaware of what they are fighting for.
“If we look at [their] nationalities… they would hardly know five cities in Syria by heart. They don’t know the names of those cities, and they hardly wonder what they’re fighting for. It’s obvious and clear to everyone.”
Moscow’s anti-terror operation in Syria has long called proposing for the US-led coalition to integrate its forces with those of Russia’s to defeat Islamic State, but had met a wall of silence until most recently. Reports in June that the U.S wanted to create a joint Head Quarters with Russia and share intelligence for the purpose of synchronised efforts against Is terrorists in Syria, never materialised . most likely because of strained relations between the two countries.
It looks like some behind the scenes negotiations may have been taking place, and things may be moving forward now. Don’t hold your breath though, the talks designed to solve the humanitarian crises is not full proof that other issues between Russia and America will automatically disappear. Much will depend on fine details of factors in the way of full agreement on those matters at the heart of any dispute between them.
Russian officials stated that If everything goes as planned, the Russian and US militaries may “permit integrated operations”that include assisting each other in air raids. Hopefully, the talks between Russia and America to resolve the Syrian crises will be productive and spill over to the resolution of other differences they have.
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