Interfax: Russia submits proposals to U.S. on monitoring truce in Syria

(Interfax – March 21, 2016)

The Russian Defense Ministry submitted proposals on the provision and monitoring of the cessation of hostilities in Syria to the United States on Feb. 25 through military diplomatic channels, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi, head of the Main Operative Department of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, has said.

“This document specifies a mechanism of consultations between Russia and the United States relating to possible breach of the cessation of hostilities, and a procedure for using military force against formations, which systematically breach their obligations. We believe that these procedures can help form an effective mechanism for controlling and keeping in check potential trucebreakers in Syria,” Rudskoi said.

“After the United States had expressed its opinion on the document, we drew up a compromise agreement and submitted it to the U.S. side on March 5. In addition, the Russian side suggested that experts hold consultations as soon as possible in order to coordinate this text,” he said.