Russia aided Syria ceasefire, says Italy

Rome Oct 13 (IANS/AKI) Italian Foreign Minster Angelino Alfano on Friday paid tribute to the role Russia has played in the longest ceasefire to date in war-wracked Syria.

He also said that it is vital to keep channels of dialogue open with Russia at all times.

"In Syria Russia s action and that of other international actors has brought about the longest truce yet seen at a time when talks in Geneva were unable to achieve this.

"The Astana process should consolidate that ceasefire but the political process should be completed in Geneva to completely stabilise Syria " he told the Transatlantic Forum on Russia here.

"The country s destiny must be put in the hands of the Syrian people through a process of transition that can only end in free elections."

Russia has supported the government of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011: politically with military aid and since September 30 2015 also through direct military involvement. It has brokered ceasefires in several areas of Syria since last July.

Alfano also said: "We must keep the relationship with Russia alive. It is an inevitable road."

"The NATO-Russia Council was formed at Pratica di Mare in 2002 to keep dialogue open even at the most difficult moments " he added.

He called dialogue between Russia and the Transatlantic Alliance "absolutely strategic".

"It is indispensable that this channel always remains open " especially given the dimensions of global security and the fight against terrorism in which Moscow plays a crucial role he said.

Italy will in 2018 chair the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to which Russia belongs Alfano noted.

--IANS/AKI
vd