EU welcomes announcement of Russian military pull out from Syria

BRUSSELS, March 15 (KUNA) -- The EU welcomed Tuesday the unexpected announcement by Russian President Valdimir Putin to end Russia's military mission in Syria.
"Any step that helps in de-escalation of violence inside Syria and the prolongation of cessation of hostilities is very important for the overall peace process and can reinforce the UN special envoy's effort to find a political solution to the Syrian war which is the ultimate objective," EU spokesperson for foreign affairs Catherine Ray told a news conference.
She noted the resumption of inter-Syrian talks in Geneva yesterday and said "this is a positive step and we expect both Syrian parties will engage with the agenda proposed by the UN special envoy Steffan De Mistura and move to implementation of a political roadmap for political transition in Syria." "The cessation of hostilities has led to a reduction of violence in Syria," added Ray. (end) nk.nfm