US concedes Russian 'constructive role' in Syria

The Pentagon has acknowledged Russia’s “constructive role” in the Syrian peace process, which might ultimately lead to a “resolution” of the years-long conflict.

“It's being clear that they have focused more of their military attention on ISIL. We think that is a good thing. We encourage that from the start,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said during a briefing on Tuesday.

“They're playing a constructive role with regard to the cessation of hostilities,” he added.

The Pentagon official said that no other player has more “leverage” than Russia to nudge the Syrian government toward a political transition.

“And we would hope that they would use that leverage in as constructive a fashion as possible. And we would encourage them to do so,” he noted.

Cook said the United States will continue with its military campaign against Daesh, “but at this point, we're not at a position to cooperate with Russia in that effort.”

In recent months, the Syrian army, backed by the Russian air power, has been making major gains against terrorist groups, recapturing several strategic areas from their grip, particularly in the strategic northern province of Aleppo. In an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti news agency published on Tuesday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hailed Russian support and recent advances against the terrorists.

EA