Russian Anti-Daesh Airstrikes Paved Way for Peace Process - Deputy FM

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The disruption of terrorists' military capabilities in Syria by the Russian airstrikes played a crucial role in clearing the way for a political solution in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Thursday.

"In recent months, important steps were taken to launch a process of political settlement in Syria. According to our estimates, it became possible largely due to effective action by the Russian Aerospace  Forces assisting the Syrians in the fight against terrorism and extremism," Bogdanov said, speaking at a conference within the framework of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

Last September, Moscow launched airstrikes against Daesh terrorist group, outlawed in Russia and few other countries, in Syria at the request of the Syrian government.

Bogdanov added that "only after the disruption of the military capabilities of the terrorists the promotion of comprehensive dialogue between official Damascus and the opposition became possible in order for the Syrians to rebuild a renewed, secular state, which would guarantee the rights of all ethnic and religious groups."

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the country’s government fighting multiple opposition factions and extremists.

On Monday, Russia and the United States announced that they had agreed to implement a cessation of hostilities in Syria, in order to ensure humanitarian aid reaches besieged areas, and to better delineate terrorist-held territory in the country.

The ceasefire is scheduled to come into effect on February 27.