1st LD: Syrian FM stresses commitment to de-escalation zones' deal

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Monday that his government will abide by the de-escalation zones' deal, warning, however, any breach by the rebels will be retaliated.

In a press conference, al-Moallem said his government hopes for the armed opposition groups to comply with the deal, concluded by Russia, Iran and Turkey, which provides for creating four de-escalation zones in Syria.

"We are committed to the deal, but there will be a decisive response in case of any violation by the armed groups," the minister said.

He noted that the guarantors of the rebels will be responsible for the rebel breaches.

Al-Moallem, meanwhile, stressed the Syrian government's keenness on the unity of Syria, responding to the claims by the opposition groups in exile that the creation of the de-escalation zones, or the safe zones, could be a prelude for fragmenting Syria.

"We are keen on our national unity, and the unity of Syria and its policies, thanks to the steadfastness of our people, and the bravery of our army," he said.

Speaking further about the deal, which full details are not made public yet, the minister said there will be no international forces under the supervision of the United Nation in the zones, which were set to be in Idlib province in northwestern Syria, countryside of Homs province, eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus, and areas in the southern provinces of Daraa and Qunaitera.

"No role of the UN or international powers in these areas...The Russian side made it clear that only (foreign) military police will be deployed, and monitoring center will be set up," he said.

He said his country opposed the presence of foreign forces, which were backers to the rebels, noting that Russia is on the same page with Damascus in that regard.

He noted that the timeframe of the deal is six months and the progress will be assessed.

Regarding the fate of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, which is excluded from the deal, al-Moallem said the rebels in the de-escalation zones will have to separate themselves from Nusra and the Islamic State (IS) group.

"The Nurse Front must leave those areas to its destiny, I don't know how the destiny will be, but for sure if they come to the government areas, they will not be welcomed," the minister said.

Regarding Jordan comments that they would enter the Syrian depth to protect their borders if needed, al-Moallem warned that if Jordanian army entered Syria without coordination, they will be deemed as enemy forces and get response.

Meanwhile, al-Moallem said that the aim of the Syrian people and the army is to liberate all inch of Syria, noting that the de-escalation zones' deal will not affect the prospect of Syria's unity.

He noted that the goal of the Syrian army is now to continue to fight the IS group in Deir al-Zour and secure the borders with Iraq. Endit