Russian official rules out military option in Syria

Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko and Federal National Council SpeakerDr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi at the Press conference in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. - AP

Peace in Syria and Yemen cannot be achieved through military intervention, but rather through a joint bilateral effort as agreed by Russian and GCC diplomats, Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the Russian Federation Council has said.
Matviyenko is on an official visit in the UAE.
During a conference held at the Federal National Council (FNC) on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, Matviyenko and Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, FNC Speaker, highlighted that finding a peaceful solution to the conflicts in the region is crucial.
"During strategic discussions with GCC ... it was agreed that it is impossible to find a solution through military intervention in Syria and Yemen. It can only be found through dialogue between all the disputing sides," said Matviyenko.
She pointed out that "in order to achieve the vision of stability, security and safety", all parties concerned must come together.
However, she stressed that the only way to combat terrorism is through "the force of the weapon", but in order to end their roots "supplying terrorist organisations with weapons must be stopped".
"We cannot reach a solution except through such joint efforts."
Matviyenko highlighted the role that the UAE plays as the middleman, which may ease the tension that Russia has with political players in the region.
"First of all, we are in constant talks between the UAE and Russia, and the UAE agrees with Russia on the matter of the Collective Security Treaty."
Dr Al Qubaisi said that during her discussions with Matviyenko, the two sides spoke about "the situations in Syria and Palestine ... with a unified stance."
She also highlighted that both sides agreed that the situation of the UAE's three occupied islands by Iran should be solved through either international courts, or diplomatic dialogue.
Dr Al Qubaisi said the UAE is thankful for Russia's attempt to find a solution and being "the mediator" between the two nations, despite Iran rejecting the initiative.
GCC foreign ministers will also be meeting with Russian diplomats in Moscow next month, to further discuss ways that can help reach solutions in conflicted countries though bilateral agreements, and strengthen their common ground.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also met Matviyenko on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between the UAE and Russia.
They also agreed on ways to cooperate and combat terrorism, noting that "both countries have similar approaches."
"Russia has always called for a joint alliance against terrorism. We believe it is vital to work together with the UAE in that regard," said Matviyenko.
jasmine@khaleejtime.com

• MENA