European Union calls on Russia to cease Syrian operations

Russia's military operations in Syria and attacks on the Syrian opposition are "of deep concern" and must cease immediately, the European Union said on Monday, accusing the Assad regime of bearing "the greatest responsibility" for 250,000 deaths in Syria and the displacement of millions of people.

In a strongly worded statement agreed at a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Luxembourg, the EU called on Russia to use its influence on Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, to "push for a reduction of violence" against civilians.

“There cannot be a lasting peace in Syria under the present leadership,” the statement noted.

It added that the military escalation signified by Russia’s involvement “risks prolonging the conflict, undermining a political process, aggravating the humanitarian situation and increasing radicalisation”.

The meeting took place amid reports of an intensifying offensive by forces loyal to Assad, backed by Russian fighter jets. The regime reportedly made significant gains in the west of Syria, where it is seeking to regain ground lost to rebel troops.

Stabilising Assad

On Sunday, Russian president Vladimir Putin strongly defended his country’s military operations in Syria, saying its aim was to “stabilise the legitimate authority” of Mr Assad.

Speaking on Russian state television, Mr Putin said Russia wanted to “create conditions for a political compromise” in Syria, and that terrorist groups could overrun Syria if the Assad regime was not supported.

Moscow said on Sunday its aircraft had carried out more than 60 attacks over Syria in the previous 24 hours, reiterating that Islamic State was its main target. Further intensive attacks took place on Monday, monitors said.

But the US and other Nato powers have questioned Russia's motivation, noting that most of the areas targeted by Russian air strikes were not held by the Islamic terrorist group.

Russia began military strikes on Syria on September 30th. It also launched missiles from the Caspian Sea last week.

Room for compromise

Speaking in Luxembourg, British foreign secretary

Philip Hammond

said Mr Assad could not remain as Syrian president, though he suggested there could be room for compromise on when and how he might leave.

France, which has also been involved in US-led regional air strikes against Islamic State, is also strongly opposed to the Assad regime.

"For peace in Syria, we need a political transition. That must be done without Assad," said the French minister for European affairs, Harlem Desir.

Other member states are in favour of dialogue with the Syrian president, calling at least for Mr Assad’s involvement in some form of transitional arrangement.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has denied any divisions within the EU on the Syrian conflict, and suggested that the EU could play a lead role, along with the UN, in political negotiations to try and bring an end to the civil war, which is now in its fifth year.

Ministers also discussed the ongoing refugee crisis, pledging to increase co-operation with countries of origin, in particular Turkey.