Russia Will Not Support Britain on Syria Sanctions

Sergei Lavrov

This Monday Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister made very clear that the Kremlin has no intention of supporting a British proposal to start with United Nations sanctions as a solution to the Syrian civil war.

Lavrov stated that the Western foreign policy in Syria is too naive and dangerous, it also fails to take into consideration the vulnerability of Muslims religious minorities along with the presence of terrorists among the armed opposition.

The foreign minister said that the pressure on Russia from the West has “elements of blackmail” that are ahead of a vote in the Security Council that seeks to extend the mission of UN observers.

A Western-backed British proposal for sanctions would link extension of the mission with an ultimatum to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to remove heavy weapons artillery from populated areas or face economic sanctions that could force an international military action. (AV)