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21:28 GMT
WASHINGTON, March 1 (KUNA) -- The Pentagon condemned on Thursday the loss of innocent lives in Syria and called on all parties to "de-escalate and resolve the Syrian conflict and protect innocent civilians."
Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana White told reporters that the UNSC unanimously voted on Saturday "to demand an immediate ceasefire throughout Syria," but the "Assad regime continues attacking its citizens, especially in East Ghouta."
"We encourage all parties to de-escalate and resolve the Syrian conflict, and protect innocent civilians," she stressed, as well as urging all parties to "remain focused" on defeating the so-called Islamic State (IS).
She noted that the "failed ceasefire called into question Russia's commitment to de-escalate violence and negotiate a political solution."
She added, "Russia's inability to exert control over the portions of the battlefield where they operate is troublesome."
White reiterated that Russia "placed both arsonists and firefighters in Syria, fueling tensions among all parties, then serving as an arbiter to resolve disputes, attempting to undermine and weaken each party's bargaining position.
Russia's efforts to preserve their own interests in Syria puts coalition progress at risk, and undermines international security."
"We do not seek a conflict with the Syrian regime, but we call on Russia to restrain the Assad regime, de-conflict counterterrorism operations with the coalition, and de-escalate the remaining battlefields of the Syrian civil war," she remarked. (end)
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