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Russia urges caution on U.S. plan for safe zones in Syria

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

This photo provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service shows Russian air force Tu-22M3 bombers strike the Islamic State group wldtargets in Syria on Tuesday. The mission, the third such bombing raid in four days, targeted the Islamic State group around Deir el-Zour in eastern Syria where the Islamic State group has launched an offensive against Syrian government forces.

MOSCOW >> The Kremlin said Thursday that a U.S. plan for safe zones in Syria should be thoroughly considered.

Asked to comment on a draft executive order that President Donald Trump is expected to sign this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said it was important to “weigh all possible consequences” of the measure.

Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters that the U.S. hasn’t consulted with Russia on the subject and noted that “it’s important not to exacerbate the situation with refugees.”

While suspending visas for Syrians and others, the order directs the Pentagon and the State Department to produce a plan for safe zones in Syria and the surrounding area within 90 days. It includes no details.

Safe zones, proposed by both Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton during the campaign, were ruled out by the Obama administration for fear it would bring the U.S. into direct conflict with Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russia, which has been waging an air campaign to aid his forces since September 2015.

In October, the Russian military specifically warned the U.S. against striking Syrian government forces, saying its air defense weapons in Syria would fend off any attack.

Russia has welcomed Trump’s pledge to mend ties with Moscow and potentially partner with it against the Islamic State and other extremist groups.

But Trump has provided few details about how he plans to approach Syria’s complex conflict, and the Kremlin, which was bitterly at odds with the Obama administration, has said that rebuilding trust will take time.

Peskov said no agreement has been reached on a Trump-Putin phone call and there have been no contacts between their administrations yet beyond routine diplomatic exchanges.

9 responses to “Russia urges caution on U.S. plan for safe zones in Syria”

  1. manakuke says:

    Those who give no quarter must expect none.

  2. Sandybeach says:

    I hope Tulsi Gabbard was briefed on this matter.

  3. mctruck says:

    Cower to the mighty Russian Oligarchs, Putin in particular.

    • mctruck says:

      The Russians statements make it pretty clear, “it’s our way or the hiway.” More sanctions should resolve this issue, like it’s been done under Obama’s Administration. tisk,tisk.

  4. krusha says:

    Sounds like Russia doesn’t want to butt heads with their newly crowned puppet in the United States.

  5. latenightroach says:

    The Syrians and the Russians should be able to figure out a way to protect civilians.
    The best way for the US to provide protection for Syrian civilians is to stop arming rebels and end our country’s obsession with regime overthrows.

  6. localguy says:

    Usual trash talking from Putin, what you expect from a total loser.

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