The cease-fire in Syria is holding, but NATO is concerned about Russia's military build-up in the country, NATO's secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said, the Reuters news agency reported Monday.
"We are concerned about the significant Russian military build-up we have seen in Syria with the ground troops, with the naval forces in eastern Mediterranean and with air forces conducting air strikes," Stoltenberg said.
The cease-fire in Syria began on Feb. 27.
"This agreement and the full implementation of the agreement is the best possible basis for renewing the efforts to find a political negotiated peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria," Stoltenberg said.
Announced by the Kremlin and the U.S., the truce aims at ending the fighting between Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces and his political opponents. The agreement excludes the Islamic State, Nusra Front, and other groups designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations.
The Islamic State is a terrorist organization banned in Russia.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
