Lavrentiev: Moscow rejects Washington’s plundering of Syria’s wealth and resources

Sochi (ST): Head of the Russian delegation  to the 15th international meeting in Astana Process Alexander Lavrentiev stressed  the need to continue combating all terrorist organizations in Syria, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, until terrorism is completely eliminated there.

In a press conference he held at the conclusion of the meeting in the Russian city of Sochi ,  Lavrentiev said: In the context of discussing the issue of combating terrorism in Syria, it is necessary to focus on combating all terrorist organizations, not just “ISIS” and “Al-Nusra Front” or the so-called “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” which some countries are trying to reformulate and portray as a “moderate opposition,” .This matter is forbidden and totally rejected. There are no negotiations or consensuses with terrorists, and terrorism in Syria must be completely eliminated”.

Lavrentiev added that the terrorist organizations deployed in Idleb are preparing to fabricate a new lie by using chemical weapons in cooperation with the terrorist organization of the “White Helmets” to accuse the Syrian Arab Army and justify any Western aggressive measures against Syria.

 He stressed the need for the international community not to hinder the return of Syrian refugees to their country, and the necessity to provide assistance in this process, free from any politicization and by allocating financial aid through international organizations.

The Russian official renewed Moscow’s rejection of the illegal US military presence in Syria and the plunder of Syrian wealth and resources, as well as the coercive Western economic measures that prevent the Syrian people from obtaining their basic needs.

Regarding the work of the constitution discussion committee, Lavrentiev said: We support the UN envoy, Geir Pedersen, and we discussed this issue with him on the sidelines of the meeting, and he will have another opportunity to discuss these issues in Moscow and in Damascus in order to find mechanisms to  move ahead in the work of the committee.

K.Q.