US skeptical about effectiveness of 'safe zone' agreement in Syria

The US State Department said on May 15 that it was skeptical about a new agreement signed between Russia, Türkiye and Iran to reduce violence in some areas of Syria.

A bus carrying families of opposition fighters is evacuated from Barzeh, a suburb of the capital Damascus. (Source: THX/TTXVN)

"Given the failures of past ceasefire agreements, we have reason to be skeptical," Stuart Jones, acting US Under Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, told a news conference, noting that Russia was responsible for ensuring the Syrian government's compliance with the agreement.

Mr. Stuart Jones also emphasized that: "During his visit to the US last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed that there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict."

According to media in Syria, agreements on safe zones have been in effect since the night of May 13.

Under the agreement, the Syrian government and opposition forces will cease hostilities for six months in four areas including Idlib province, Homs, the Eastern Ghouta area of ​​the capital Damascus and areas in the provinces of Daraa and Qunaitera in southern Syria.

The US State Department in an earlier statement also voiced concerns about Iran's role as a guarantor of the agreement./.

According to Vietnamplus