Russia-U.S. joint statement reconfirms commitment on Syria issues

A joint statement of Russia and the United States released Monday reconfirmed their commitment to a ceasefire implementation and the delivery of humanitarian aid in Syria.

As co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the two countries noted the progress made on cessation of hostilities and improving humanitarian access in Syria.

Yet the ceasefire regime was challenged in areas including Aleppo, Eastern Ghouta and Latakia, according to the statement.

"Many Syrians with urgent needs have yet to be reached ... UN assessment teams and humanitarian personnel have been barred from accessing certain besieged areas," it said.

Both Russia and the United States are using their influence with Syrian parties to press them to abide by the ceasefire, stop indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and ensure continuous delivery of humanitarian aid.

Russia, together with the Syrian government, would minimize aviation operations over areas that are predominantly inhabited by civilians or parties to the cessation, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the United States is committed to intensifying its support and assistance to regional allies to help them prevent the flow of fighters, weapons or financial support to terrorist organizations across their borders with Syria.

The two countries would join efforts for the development of a shared understanding on terrorist groups, and for decisive measures in the anti-terror fight.

On humanitarian access, the statement suggested that the United Nations (UN) consider Syrian locations including Nubul, Zahra and Hasakeh as priority designations.

"The co-chairs commit to immediately work together with the Syrian parties to ensure no delay in the granting of approval and completion of all pending UN requests for access in accordance with the UN's monthly plans," said the statement.

It also noted that the issue of detainees, hostages and internally displaced persons in Syria should be addressed in accordance with UN resolutions and appeals.

On Syria's political settlement process, Russia and the United States noted the importance of intra-Syrian talks, mediated by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura to broker a political end to the five-year conflict.

"We concur that these talks should be resumed on the basis of the Special Envoy's mediator's summary of April 27, in particular the annex addressing the fundamental issues for a viable transition, and the section on the commonalities on the political transition," the statement said.

During a telephone conversation held later Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stressed the need for continuing the intra-Syrian talks.

While confirming further military coordination with the United States over Syrian issues, Lavrov urged to separate terrorist groups from opposition fighters and to prevent external support for extremists especially through Turkey. Endi