Russia 'seeking US help' to rebuild war-torn Syria

Russia 'seeking US help' to rebuild war-torn Syria
Russia has pressed the United States to aid in the reconstruction of war-torn Syria, according to a US government memo.
2 min read
05 August, 2018
Around 500,000 people have been killed in Syria's war. [Getty]

Russia has pressed the United States to aid in the reconstruction of war-torn Syria, according to a US government memo.

Using a closely guarded communications channel, chief of Russia's military staff Valery Gerasimov sent a proposal on 19 July to US Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to a memo seen by Reuters.

"The proposal argues that the Syrian regime lacks the equipment, fuel, other material, and funding needed to rebuild the country in order to accept refugee returns," according to the memo, which specified that the proposal related to Assad-controlled areas of the country.

The Russian cover letter sent to Dunford recommended a joint committee between the US, Russia, and Jordan to "implement the reconstruction and refugee return plan," the memo said.

It also suggested a joint US-Russian group to finance infrastructure renovation in Syria.

The memo said that US policy was only to support reconstruction efforts if there was a political solution to end the seven-year war, such as UN-supervised elections.

In 2011, the US adopted a policy that Assad must step down, but has since watched as Russia and Iran have intervened to secure the Syrian regime president's position and recapture significant swathes of the country.

Dunford's office declined to comment on communications with Gerasimov.

Around 500,000 people have been killed in Syria's war, with 5.6 million people driven out of the country and 6.6 million displaced within it.

"The United States will only support refugee returns when they are safe, voluntary and dignified," said the memo, which is specifically about the Russian plan for Syria.

Many Syrians who fled war and repression are unwilling to return under Assad's rule without guarantees they won't be harassed, detained or imprisoned.

The UN has estimated that rebuilding Syria could cost at least $250 billion.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab