It's time for a new Syria…

(Baonghean.vn) - Moscow's current goal in Syria is to ensure the peace process progresses so that people can return to normal life.Sunday - that is the statement of Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov in an interview with RT news agency.

A boy takes pictures of damaged buildings during his visit to Palmyra on April 9. Photo: Reuters.

Although the situation in Syria is “very fragile and constantly changing… Russia and all other countries must make every effort to consolidate this fragile peace, so that no one can destroy it,” said Anatoly Antonov.

Fostering peace is one of Russia’s main goals in Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient civilization, after it helped Syria liberate it from terrorists last month, the deputy minister said. The operation was a major strategic victory for Damascus and Moscow, which provided air support to the Syrian army. It was also seen as “a turning point in the Syrian campaign.”

Russian sappers are currently deployed in Palmyra to clear explosive devices and minefields planted by the Islamic State (IS) when they controlled the ancient city. Mr Antonov affirmed that Moscow sees this as a great opportunity for the international community to cooperate in this task.

“Our military engineers have already started clearing mines in the area, which is a heritage for all mankind. I consider the issue of clearing mines to be extremely important in Syria, and the international community should contribute to it, joining the efforts of the Russian military,” he said.

It is known that Russia has proposed cooperation in solving the mine problem to the United Nations and international organizations. The Russian military is also transporting humanitarian aid shipments and helping to reorganize key industries disrupted by the Syrian war.

Antonov also said: “Recent TV footage shows our troops baking bread. What we are trying to do is make life easier for civilians, so they can live without gunfire. Enough of war, now it is time to build a new Syria.”

Russia sent warplanes to Syria and began airstrikes against terrorist forces in September 2015. After 5 months, with the help of Russia, the Syrian army turned the tide in the battle. This paved the way for an unstable sanctions regime against the militias that wanted a political transition in Syria.

Russia partially withdrew its military deployment in Syria in March, but continued to support Damascus in the fight against terrorist organizations such as IS and Al-Nusra Front, which are not participating in the ceasefire.

Palmyra before and after the Syrian war. Photo: AFP.

RT quoted Mr. Antonov: “During our operation, we have done a lot. We have terrified the terrorists, destroyed many weapons depots, eliminated their gunmen, command and control facilities as well as many other gangs.”

“We are also targeting terrorist finance. Everyone knows that the money of terrorist groups comes from illegal oil trade. Everyone wants to know how they smuggle the oil stolen from Syria and where the money goes,” he added.

The Russian deputy defense minister also pointed the finger at Türkiye, which Russia accuses of profiting from the Syrian war. In November 2015, Moscow released intelligence confirming that the Turkish leadership had personal interests in trade relations with IS.

Multiple media reports later shed light on the smuggling of oil, stolen antiquities and other goods, along with supply routes running between Türkiye and the terrorist gang.

Antonov’s interview was published ahead of the 2016 Moscow International Security Conference, a prestigious political event that will bring together senior military and security leaders from around the world on April 27-28. The conference will also include representatives from at least 80 countries, three deputy prime ministers, 20 defense ministers, 15 commanders-in-chief, 10 international organizations and military delegations.

Countering international terrorism in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and other regions will be at the heart of the conference's agenda.

Watch Clip of Russia airstrikes on IS targets:

Thu Giang

(According to RT)