Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Shia Militias Must Leave, Syrian Opposition

Published October 30th, 2017 - 12:35 GMT
"After the release of hostages, we want the end of siege and access to humanitarian aid," Hassun said (AFP/File)
"After the release of hostages, we want the end of siege and access to humanitarian aid," Hassun said (AFP/File)

The Syrian opposition wants Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Shia militias to leave the country, an armed opposition leader said Monday.

Fatih Hassun said: "We want Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Shia militias to get out of the country. Also, we want separatist Kurdish groups to stand trial for their crimes. We will bring this to the attention of the U.N."

Hassun's remarks came in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana during the first day of the seventh round of peace talks aimed at ending the Syria conflict.

He said representatives of the opposition delegation attending the talks will present to the U.N. some documents that will help remove foreign terrorists supported by Iran and hold the PKK/PYD responsible for human rights violations.

The talks, which will focus on strengthening the cease-fire that came into effect on Dec. 30, are brokered by Turkey, which backs the opposition, and Russia and Iran, who support Bashar Assad’s regime.

Representatives of the Syrian regime, armed opposition groups, as well as delegations from the U.N., Jordan, and the U.S. are attending the talks.

The two-day meeting will also address the release of captives and hostages, and humanitarian action on mines.

"After the release of hostages, we want the end of siege and access to humanitarian aid," Hassun said.

He added the parties had "different" agendas during the talks, saying, "Russia's [agenda] is to gain benefits in favor of the regime. Iran's is to axe the Astana meeting."

Hassun said they will also present a document to the U.N. about cease-fire violations.

 

 

This article has been adapted from its original source.

 

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