Russia urges US to ‘weigh consequences’ of Syria ‘safe zones’ plan

Russia has called on the United States to thoroughly consider the outcome of it’s a plan to establish “safe zones” in conflict-ridden Syria, where both sides are engaged in aerial military campaigns.

It is important to “weigh all possible consequences” of the US measure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a press conference on Thursday.

He was reacting to the latest comments by US President Donald Trump, who said Wednesday that he “will absolutely do safe zones in Syria” for refugees with the declared aim of protecting the war-stricken refugees.

The Russian official further noted that Washington had not consulted Moscow about the plan before announcing it.

“It’s important not to exacerbate the situation with refugees," Peskov emphasized.

According to a document seen by Reuters, Trump is expected to give 90 days to the Pentagon and the US State Department to draw up a plan for establishing what he called safe zones in Syria, a move that could result in increased US military involvement in Syria. 

Former US president Barack Obama had long resisted such a plan, fearing the potential for confrontation between US and Russian warplanes in Syrian skies.

Trump’s comments come as a countrywide ceasefire is largely holding across Syria amid a fresh diplomatic process, backed by Russia, Iran and Turkey, which has brought the Syrian government and opposition groups, back to the negotiating table.

SS