Berlin sees Russia’s key role as an external player in efforts aimed at securing a political solution to the Syrian conflict and expects Moscow to exert appropriate pressure on the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
“Russia has been playing a key role in it. We are placing our stake on the fact that Moscow will use its extensive influence on the Assad regime in order to help the political process in Geneva evolve into serious talks. We also expect that regional powers will act in a way that will match the responsibility resting with them,” German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said in an exclusive interview with Interfax.
Gabriel is expected to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on March 9.
“Peace will not be restored as a result of victory in the war. It is impossible to end this terrible conflict without a political solution. Without a political solution, Syria is at the risk of continuing violence and a further radicalization,” he said.
“Consequently, it is necessary to put massive pressure on the conflicting parties from outside in order to eventually secure the implementation of measures which the UN Security Council unanimously voted for in its Resolution 2254. There is still a long way to go until that happens. All of the sides, primarily international players, should do their best,” he said.
