Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has defended Russia's support of a mass offensive by the Syrian government on the city of Aleppo by saying that the town is under the control of Islamic extremists, the RBC news website reported Friday.
“We spoke at length today about Aleppo,” Lavrov said following talks with the International Syria Support Group, RBC reported. “Some of the comments directed at us sounded like accusations, which I will not repeat, as we hear them every day.”
Western governments have repeatedly criticized Russia’s decision to support the advance of the Syrian government's army in the region.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry “is worried the recent aggressive actions of the Syrian government,” according to Lavrov.
“If the town is occupied by illegal militant groups, then this is aggression, so it is necessary to attack those who conquered your land,” Lavrov said.
The Russian diplomat said that Aleppo is mainly controlled by the al-Nusra terrorist organization and that Syrian government forces with Russian support are working to help free the city.
Western governments have said that the Aleppo offensive is the reason for the postponement of negotiations on Syria in Geneva to the end of February.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
