US must force Turkey to abide by Syria truce: Analyst

Press TV has interviewed Edward Lozansky, the president of the World Russia Forum, to discuss the remarks made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the battle against terrorism requires a joint effort at the global level.

The following is a rough transcription of the interview.

Press TV: Let’s start off with getting your thoughts on the recent comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that only through efforts of the international community can terrorism be confronted.

Lozansky: Well it is more or less obvious and I think that presently we see some progress in approach between Russia and the United States. Of course it is not perfect yet and I think at this point, main problem of course besides ISIS (Daesh) and al-Nusra and other terrorist groups is Turkey.

Just today morning Turkey again attacked Kurds and we know that Kurds are probably the most reliable ground force in this fight. So maybe it is time for US and by the way Europe, I do not understand why we do not hear anything from Europe because we know that Turkey desperately wants to become part of EU and Europe can put some pressure on Turkey. So far it is only Russia and United States. Where is Europe these days?

Press TV: Another part highlighted in the comments of Sergei Lavrov was where he pointed to putting aside disagreements, ambitions and preconditions to get united in order to defeat the Daesh terrorists. Elaborate on those comments and who might he be directing these comments at?

Lozansky: Well yes. I think what Lavrov is saying is pretty normal and obvious. I think those comments are directed on those who want first to eliminate Assad and then take care of ISIS and it is kind of a strange issue because now Assad army is reinforced and who can defeat ISIS and jointly with Kurds and Iran of course and Hezbollah. So if some [politicians] who are playing the same game that the main goal is not really ISIS but Assad, nothing can happen but as I mentioned I see little progress in American, Washington’s stance on this. I wish that Washington can put some pressure [on] … Turkey who actually is the boss and at the same time I want to hear more from EU. Unless Turkey is not cooperating I do not think this would be a success in this fight.

Press TV: And focusing on the recent ceasefire and the battle taking place against the Daesh Takfiri terrorists, there has also been a lot of focus and a lot of criticism in the direction of those supporting the Daesh Takfiri terrorists and these terrorist groups on the ground. Elaborate on that for us as well.

Lozansky: Of course no one can expect that today the whole problems will be solved and this five year war will end. Of course there are many, many forces who do not want that. They will try to break the ceasefire. We saw something happening this morning, not all, there are many, many hundreds of groups, terrorist groups who are on the ground in Syria and so it will be very naive to expect that all of them will abide by this agreement but good news is that [we can] see some progress, a little bit more quiet on the Syrian front and many groups signed up for this ceasefire.

So let’s just not be too euphoric, let’s take it step by step but coordinated effort as Mr. Lavrov said is essential. It is coordinated effort to everyone who wants to stop this bloodshed in Syria and finish this horrible terrorist mess.

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