The new ceasefire in Syria, negotiated by Russia, Turkey and Iran, is a real opportunity to end the conflict although difficulties regarding the enforcement of the ceasefire could arise as terrorist groups are already seen as opposing it, Mustafa El-Labbad, Director of Al Sharq Centre for Regional and Strategic Studies in Cairo, Egypt, told valdaiclub.com.

       According to El-Labbad, the ceasefire in Syria, which was reached by Russia, Turkey and Iran after trilateral meetings of foreign ministers in Moscow may run into some difficulties when it comes to enforcement, as terrorist groups have voiced their opposition to the deal. However, according to Labbad, the ceasefire also presents a chance to end the conflict in Syria, which has been raging for nearly six years.

       “It is a real opportunity to end the conflict in Syria. However, it is not easy to enforce for the coming time, since terrorist organizations are opposing it already,” Professor Mustafa El-Labbad told valdaiclub.com in an interview.

       Outlining the next steps after the ceasefire, El-Labbad focused on the political settlement of the conflict between Syria’s government and armed opposition, noting that dialogue should be used to accomplish peace between the sides. El-Labbad also noted that the ceasefire must first be tested by the two sides for sustainability and secured, as terrorist groups continue to threaten it.

       First Real Process to Stop the War in Syria Viktor Nadein-Raevsky

       We started the real process to stop the war. That is the essence of the events and the possible success of the final result. It seems that our hope is not unfounded and thanks to the tripartite cooperation we can solve the problem and stop the war.

       “The next step should be dialogue about political settlement of the conflict between government and opposition. But the ceasefire needs to be tested and secured first,” Professor Mustafa El-Labbad told valdaiclub.com.

       Reflecting on the failure of past ceasefires, El-Labbad said that the collapse of previous ceasefires in Syria was the result of a lack of seriousness in the United States regarding peace in Syria, and the lack of involvement of regional powers in conflict resolution. El-Labbad also said that the incoming administration in the United States should be more approachable regarding peace in Syria and cooperation against terrorism in the region.

       “Previous ceasefires collapsed because US administration was not serious and the regional powers like Turkey and Iran were not part of it. At the end of the day, the new administration in USA should bless any successful solution in cooperation with Russia,” El-Labbad concluded.

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