Alalam - Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the recent liberation of Syria’s second city of Aleppo as a sizeable step toward the restoration of stability in the Arab country and the region in general.
“Everything needs to be done for fighting to stop on all Syrian territory,” Putin further added. “In any case, we will strive toward this.”
The remarks came a day after the Syrian military gains full control of the Aleppo from militants for the first time since 2012. The victory came about despite military support for the militants by the US, Turkey, and some Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region, Press TV reports.
Russia has been carrying out an aerial campaign against militants in Syria, including formerly in Aleppo, on a request from the Syrian government. Iran, too, has been offering Damascus advisory military help.
Also Putin calls to reinforce combat capability of Russia's strategic nuclear forces.
"We need to strengthen combat capability of strategic nuclear forces, first of all by reinforcing missile complexes that will be able to reliably penetrate existing and future missile defence systems. Strategic non-nuclear forces must also reach a new level of sophistication that will allow to neutralise any military threats Russia may face," he adds.
Putin who speaking at a meeting presented by Russian military officials adds: "We need to follow closely any changes in the balance of forces and military-political developments in the world, especially along Russia's borders, and make timely amendments to our plans in order to neutralize potential threats our country may face, Reuters reports.
During the meeting with Putin, Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, said the evacuation of militants from Aleppo was now complete, creating the conditions for a ceasefire deal covering the entire Syrian territory.
He said some 34,000 people had been evacuated from the formerly militant-held areas of eastern Aleppo since December 15.
“In my view, we are very close to achieving an agreement on a full ceasefire across the Syria,” the Russian defense chief said.
Earlier on Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also called for a nationwide ceasefire in Syria. Ankara has been supporting anti-Damascus militants in the Syrian conflict, which began in March 2011.
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