VOA: Russia: No US Coalition Jets Allowed in Syrian De-Escalation Zones
MOSCOW — Russia says the proposed "de-escalation" zones in Syria will be closed to aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition.
Alexander Lavrentyev, Russia's envoy to the peace talks in Kazakhstan, said Friday in remarks covered by Russian media that "the operation of aviation in the de-escalation zones, especially of the forces of the international coalition, is absolutely not envisaged, either with notification or without," he said. "This question is closed."
Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed to a Moscow-proposed deal Thursday to establish the so-called “de-escalation” zones in Syria to try to end the six-year conflict.
Representatives of the three Syria cease-fire guarantor nations signed a memorandum to that effect at the end of the latest round of peace talks in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.
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WNU Editor: I think the Russians are getting ahead of themselves on this one .... the U.S. and the coalition have not announced their agreement to this proposal.
Update: Russian Defense Ministry says agreement on de-escalation zones in Syria comes into effect at midnight (AP). More here .... Deal on safe zones in Syria to come into effect 21:00 GMT on May 5 – Russian MoD (RT).
More News On Russia Declaring that Syrian Safe Zones Will Be Shut To U.S. And Coalition Planes
Russia-brokered Syria no-fly zone deal bans U.S. aircraft, too -- CBS/AP
Russia: Syria safe zones to be shut for U.S., coalition planes - agencies -- Reuters
US warplanes among those barred from flying over Syria's 'safe zones' in proposal -- FOX News
Russia: U.S. prohibited from flying over Syrian 'de-escalation zones' -- UPI
Russia: Syria safe zones closed to US coalition planes -- Al Jazeera
What are the 'de-escalation zones' agreed for Syria? -- Rouba El Husseini, AFP
