Russia accuses US of not respecting Syria's territorial integrity
(Baonghean) - On January 15, at a press conference summarizing foreign affairs activities in 2017, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Washington does not respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria, but instead aims to change the country's regime.
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| Aleppo city suffered heavy losses in the Syrian war. Photo: AFP - Getty Images |
In Mr. Lavrov's view, there is no fundamental difference between President Donald Trump's approach and that of his predecessor Barack Obama in resolving the "intractable" problems in Syria.
"Our observations show that the US does not want Syria to have territorial integrity," said Mr. Lavrov, citing a new "initiative" proposed by the US, in which a US military force of up to 30,000 soldiers will help Syrian democratic forces create border security zones.
"This is a reckless decision by the US government, raising concerns," the Russian Foreign Minister affirmed.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that the decision made by the US is groundless, and has not been approved by the United Nations Security Council, or from the agreements reached at the Geneva negotiations on Syria.
The Russian Foreign Minister expressed his opinion that the fight against terrorism in Syria is coming to an end, diplomatic mechanisms for a post-war peace process in Syria are about to begin and it will only be carried out under the auspices of the United Nations.
“Russia and the international community still expect detailed explanations from the US side to ensure that the Syrian people will lead the process of national reconciliation themselves, with outside help, but not “foreign interference,” Lavrov said.
The Russian Foreign Minister stressed that he did not accept the US justifications for using armed forces against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
"The US assurances that its troops are in Syria to fight terrorism are unconvincing and do not stand up to any criticism," the Russian Foreign Minister said.
Earlier, when US soldiers guarded a 55km area around the Syrian Center for Reconciliation of Enemy Sides base in Al-Tanf, where more than 50,000 civilians were isolated, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that the Syrian government did not invite US soldiers into its territory.
Therefore, the US and the international coalition must leave Syria after terrorists are completely destroyed in this country.
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(According to TASS)
