Lavrov: US Threats to Strike Syria ’Unacceptable’
Local Editor
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Friday slammed US threats to strike Syria as "unacceptable."
"The threats to carry out unilateral military strikes on Syria, including Damascus, recently voiced by the United States, as it was last April based on unsubstantiated accusations against the Syrian government of using chemical weapons, are unacceptable and inadmissible. [We] have clearly said that to US representatives via diplomatic and military channels," Lavrov told reporters.
Earlier this week, US Envoy to the United Nations [UN] Nikky Haley threatened a Washington strike against Damascus in the event of chemical weapons being used in Syria.
Responding to Haley's statement, the Russian General Staff said that Moscow's armed forces would respond if the lives of Russian servicemen in Syria were threatened, including in the event of a missile strike on Damascus.
Lavrov reiterated Friday the need to distinguish terrorists in Syria from the opposition, urging the United States to fight against terrorists in the besieged enclave of Eastern Ghouta.
Lavrov stated that the progress achieved at the Astana talks on the Syrian settlement, including due to Russia's efforts, was not being welcomed by those striving to divide the country into small territories under their control.
Eastern Ghouta has been under the control of terrorists since 2012, with some 10,000-12,000 militants controlling the district, according to Syrian Army's estimates.
The situation in the terrorist-held region escalated last month after government forces launched an operation dubbed "Damascus Steel," in a bid to clear the region of militants.
Following the escalation, the UNSC unanimously approved Resolution 2401, which provides for the introduction of a ceasefire regime throughout Syria for a period of 30 days.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
Comments
- Related News
Moscow: Talks with US Unlikely
4 months ago
Russia Warns Its Nationals Against Traveling To US
5 months ago
