Russia seeks US help to rebuild Syria

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Russia has used a closely guarded communications channel with the United States’ top general to propose the two former Cold War foes to cooperate in rebuilding Syria and repatriate refugees to the war-torn country, according to a US government memo.

The proposal was sent in a July 19 letter by Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian military’s General Staff, to US Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to the memo which was seen by Reuters.

The Russian plan, which has not been previously reported, has received an icy reception in Washington. The memo said the US policy was only to support such efforts if there were a political solution to end Syria’s seven-year-old civil war, including steps like United Nations-supervised elections.

The proposal illustrates how Russia, having helped turn the tide of the war in favor of President Bashar al-Assad, is now pressing Washington and others to aid the reconstruction of areas under his control. Such an effort would likely further cement Assad’s hold on power.

“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 Syrian governmentheld areas of the country.

In 2011, the US adopted a policy that Assad must leave power but then watched as his forces, backed by Iran and then Russia, clawed back territory and secure Assad’s position.

The US has drawn a line on reconstruction assistance, saying it should be tied to a process that includes UN-supervised elections and a political transition in Syria. It has blamed Assad for Syria’s devastation.

Dunford’s office declined comment on communications with Gerasimov.

“In accordance with past practice, both generals have agreed to keep the details of their conversations private,” spokesperson Captain Paula Dunn said.

The Kremlin and Russia’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Syria conflict has killed an estimated half a million people, driven some 5.6 million people out of the country and displaced around 6.6 million within it.

Most of those who have fled are from the Sunni Muslim majority, and it is unclear whether Assad’s Alawitedominated government will allow all to return freely or whether they would want to. Sunnis made up the bulk of the armed opposition to Assad.

“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.

Rebuilding Syria will also be a massive effort, costing at least $250 billion, according to one UN estimate.