Syria: crucial negotiations between southern rebels and Russians

Beirut – Rebels in the Syrian south, the target of a regime offensive, hold a crucial meeting on Wednesday with Russian negotiators, determined to force the return of power in the region in exchange for a halt to hostilities. told AFP two sources of opposition.
  

The military operation launched on June 19 by the regime in the province of Deraa allowed it to make considerable progress in this region, by means of deadly bombings or agreements of " reconciliation " sponsored by Moscow, which are more like a capitulation of the insurgents.

" The round of talks (of Wednesday) could prove crucial: either the factions accept the agreement, or the military offensive will resume ", told AFP a source of the close opposition to negotiations in the city of Deraa, while the shelling has stopped for several days.

" The Russian delegation on Tuesday warned rebel groups that Wednesday would be the last day for negotiations and that they should submit their final response ," said the source speaking in the guise of anonymity.

The warring parties held talks in the afternoon that lasted until midnight, after which the Russians would have refused requests from the rebel delegation, clinging to their own terms.

The Russians refuse " the transfer of fighters or civilians " to other insurgent areas in Syria, the source said, as was the case with the resumption of other rebel strongholds.

The Russian proposal includes the abandonment by the rebels of heavy and medium weapons, " the return of the army to its barracks " and government institutions in the region, as well as the deployment of of the regime's police.

" The rebel delegation is currently examining the Russian position with the notables and forces at Deraa before returning to the negotiating table ," AFP quoted Ibrahim as saying. -Jabbawi, spokesperson for a cell representing all rebel factions.

" We hope to reach an agreement that would end the fighting and allow the return of the displaced ," he said.

As for the proposals submitted by the rebels on Tuesday and rejected by the Russians, they suggested a global cease-fire, followed by the immediate abandonment of heavy weapons, according to a copy of the text consulted by AFP.

The rebels also demanded a withdrawal from the regime of the conquered areas in its latest badault.

They finally demanded that any settlement be able to guarantee the departure of combatants wishing to leave with their families to other insurgent territories in Syria.