Lavrov on Russia/US Relations and Aleppo Update by Stephen Lendman
On the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Hamburg, Sergey Lavrov denounced US policy, saying “the Obama administration continues taking unfriendly steps in an attempt to undermine the basis of normal cooperation between Russia and the US before leaving.”
He and Kerry met again - days after the US official reneged on an Aleppo proposal in line with Russia’s views.
Aleppo was again discussed. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said both officials agreed on a need to resume talks under the UN auspices. The key condition for resolution is combating terrorism until it’s eliminated.
“Based on the US side’s declared readiness to facilitate the withdrawal of militants from that city, the sides agreed to look into practical details of this process at the expert level in the nearest future,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry added, knowing Obama continues undermining Moscow’s good faith efforts for cessation of hostilities and conflict resolution.
With Aleppo nearly liberated, Lavrov said Syrian and allied forces suspended “active military activities” so civilians could safely leave the city, free from US-backed terrorists’ captivity.
At the same time, he blasted pro-Western UN envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, demanding he “stop sabotaging” Geneva peace talks. He’s deplorably one-sided, supporting war while claiming he’s for conflict resolution.
While agreeing to cooperate with America on withdrawing terrorists from Aleppo, Lavrov stressed Moscow will continue combating terrorism in Syria until it’s eliminated.
“Our strategy is very simple,” he said. “It is entirely based on…UN Security Council Resolution (2254), which envisions to mercilessly fight terrorists till their complete destruction, while at the same time solving humanitarian problems of the civilian population and starting a political process.”
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."
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