02:40Germany: Syria safe zones a 'flicker of hope' - Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that the establishment of safe zones in Syria was "a flicker of hope amid this unbelievable tragedy," while delivering a keynote speech at the 67th Uebersee Convention in Hamburg, Friday. Merkel's statement came following Thursday's adoption of a memorandum by Syria ceasefire guarantor states on the creation of four safe zones in Syria in a bid to de-escalate the conflict in the country.
During her speech, Merkel also commented on the ongoing Brexit negotiations, noting that it was imperative "to limit the extent of damage, which Brexit could inflict upon the European Union if the exit and transition fail." The German chancellor called to strengthen solidarity within the EU, noting that "it is also important to continue working on other tasks, Brexit or no Brexit" before adding that "we cannot forget about our own vision of the future just because we are too busy with Brexit negotiations."
Earlier in the week, Russia, Iran and Turkey signed the memorandum on the creation of security zones in Syria. The adoption of the memorandum followed Russia's proposal on setting up so-called de-escalation zones, which aim at separating a number of extremist groups, including the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) and Al-Nusra Front (also known as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham), from the moderate opposition.
In April, EU leaders met to negotiate guidelines for Brexit negotiations, including the separation process and future relations. Formal negotiations with the UK are expected to begin following the UK general election on June 8.
02:40German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that the establishment of safe zones in Syria was "a flicker of hope amid this unbelievable tragedy," while delivering a keynote speech at the 67th Uebersee Convention in Hamburg, Friday. Merkel's statement came following Thursday's adoption of a memorandum by Syria ceasefire guarantor states on the creation of four safe zones in Syria in a bid to de-escalate the conflict in the country.
During her speech, Merkel also commented on the ongoing Brexit negotiations, noting that it was imperative "to limit the extent of damage, which Brexit could inflict upon the European Union if the exit and transition fail." The German chancellor called to strengthen solidarity within the EU, noting that "it is also important to continue working on other tasks, Brexit or no Brexit" before adding that "we cannot forget about our own vision of the future just because we are too busy with Brexit negotiations."
Earlier in the week, Russia, Iran and Turkey signed the memorandum on the creation of security zones in Syria. The adoption of the memorandum followed Russia's proposal on setting up so-called de-escalation zones, which aim at separating a number of extremist groups, including the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) and Al-Nusra Front (also known as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham), from the moderate opposition.
In April, EU leaders met to negotiate guidelines for Brexit negotiations, including the separation process and future relations. Formal negotiations with the UK are expected to begin following the UK general election on June 8.