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YEREVAN, DECEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. 2015 was replete with developments in Syria. The latter can be regarded as before the intervention of the Russian air force and after that. If before the intervention of the Russian air forces, the Syrian government forces mainly carried out defensive actions, then after the airstrikes, the actions became more of offensive nature, “Armenpress” reports, Arabist Sargis Grigoryan said.
“There was certain advance on the part of Syrian government forces after the Russian airstrikes. The Russian airstrikes drew the red line beyond which the opposition groups, in the long run, are not able to carry out military actions,” Sargis Grigoryan said.
Despite some advance, according to him, the oppositionists still continue controlling the 65% of the territories. The Government forces are still concentrated in big cities; their strategy is to control big cities. Regarding the success of the government forces in Aleppo province during recent days, Grigoryan said that several residences had passed under control of the government forces but that it was early to speak about the complete liberation of the province.
2015 was a more successful year for the Kurds in Syria. According to Sargis Grigoryan, Kurds regained Kobanîand other territories at the beginning of the year.
Arabist Armen Petrosyan added that apart from the military actions, 2015 was unique for Syria in terms of political developments, emphasizing also the resolution for peace process adopted by the UN Security Council.
“The resolution was adopted, but it is clear that the parties will have success only in case they reach agreement in key contradictions between them. First of all, I speak about the fate of President Bashar al-Assad. We must note that the settlement of the Syrian conflict can be seriously hindered by the coalition of Muslim countries formed by Saudi Arabia. One of the functions of this coalition is to perform anti-terrorist actions in Muslim countries. The participation of this coalition in the Syrian processes is not ruled out. The consequences can be disastrous in this case,” Armen Petrosyan added.
Sargis Grigoryan emphasized that the key to the settlement of the Syrian conflict must be sought in Syria itself.