PM Masrour Barzani reiterates call on Russia to mediate for inclusive Syria
PM Masrour Barzani reiterated his request that Russia “helps to mediate a long-term political settlement in Syria that respects the rights of all, including the Kurds.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday and discussed a range of issues, most notably the situation in Syria as it pertains to the Kurds.
Lavrov and Barzani “recognized the need to de-escalate tensions, especially in Syria,” a tweet from Barzani’s account read. “I reiterated my request that Russia helps to mediate a long-term political settlement in Syria that respects the rights of all, including the Kurds.”
In our meeting Sergey Lavrov and I recognised the need to de-escalate tensions, especially in Syria. I reiterated my request that Russia helps to mediate a long-term political settlement in Syria that respects the rights of all, including the Kurds.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrour_barzani) February 15, 2020
@mfa_russia #MSC2020 pic.twitter.com/T28011nSMz
Moscow has been spearheading an initiative to facilitate talks between the self-administration in northeastern Syria and the central government in Damascus. A senior official in the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) recently told Kurdistan 24 that the two sides had made significant progress.
Read More: Local official claims progress in talks between Damascus and Syrian Kurds
At the same time, a once divided Syrian Kurdish front is starting to come together to settle long-held disputes. Earlier in the month, the Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNC) reopened its offices in the Kurdish regions of the country after improving ties with the Kurdish component of the SDC, which, along with its armed wing, lead northeastern Syria.
During the Barzani and Lavrov meeting, the two sides also discussed other regional developments, including the unrest in Iraq, with the top Russian diplomat affirming that Moscow hopes Iraq stabilizes and prevents the terrorist activities of the so-called Islamic State, a statement from Barzani’s office said.
The two officials also highlighted improving Erbil–Moscow relations.
Related Article: Energy, economy lead talks between Kurdistan leaders, Russian official
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany