Al-Nusra Terrorists Used Chlorine Chemicals in E Ghouta - Russian UN Envoy

"The suburbs of Damascus cannot remain a hotbed of terrorism. And it is being used for continued attempts by terrorists to undermine the cessation of hostilities," he added.

The ongoing operation in the Damascus suburbs does not violate resolution 2401, which allows the continuation of the battle against terrorists, he further stressed. The terrorists, do, in fact, frequently attack hospitals and other civilian facilities, and the attacks are well-documented, he added. 

"Since the resolution was passed, more than 100 people died from this and a considerably higher number were wounded. More than one hospital...was shelled," Nebenzia said.

"These were true hospitals, genuine hospitals, not headquarters of fighters which they very frequently claim to be hospitals."

The militants also are preventing the civilians from leaving the combat zone, raining mortar and sniper fire on them.

The Russian diplomat pointed out that the conflict in Syria, and in Eastern Ghouta in particular, is used by western countries only to "produce endless accusations against Russia," while "doing nothing" to improve the situation in Syria. "What's being done - is a political issue, caused not that much by concerns about the humanitarian needs of the Syrians," Nebenzia said.

The official also doubted the figures on casualties in Syria provided by the UN, wondering about their sources and asking them to be more specific about them next time.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team