Differences between Russia and both the Syrian regime and Iran have hampered negotiations on Damascus’ eastern Ghouta enclave, an informed Syrian opposition source told Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday.
The source said that the complications came in light of disputes between opposition factions.
“Russia is determined to allow the withdrawal of al-Nusra Front fighters from Ghouta and to reinforce the ceasefire, while the Syrian regime, backed by Iranian militias, opts for the military solution as a means to establish control over the besieged areas,” the source said.
As the differences lingered, regime forces have splintered eastern Ghouta towns and villages into three isolated pockets.
The source said talks between the Russian side and Failaq al-Rahman concerning the withdrawal of Nusra fighters from Ghouta seemed more complicated.
“Until now, the Russians have failed to convince Failaq al-Rahman in forcing Nusra fighters to leave Ghouta,” the source added.
Currently, there are around 270 Nusra fighters in Failaq al-Rahman and Ahrar al-Sham controlled areas.
Meanwhile, the Russian Center for Reconciliation, based along with Russia's air force at the Hmeimim base in western Syria, was facilitating negotiations with rebels in Ghouta, a Russian news agency reported.
"The fighters are considering the possibility of evacuating several dozen residents in exchange for an opportunity to leave the area with their families," a representative of the center, officer Vladimir Zolotukhin, told Interfax.
Separately, signs emerged on Sunday concerning Moscow’s plans to introduce wide changes to its military activities in Syria, in coordination with Ankara, to face what it called “escalatory threats.”
Media reports said Moscow would now adopt a new policy to enhance its military activities in Syria, even if it entailed losses or more military expenditures.
This issue would be discussed during the expected visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Moscow on Monday.
