Al-Muallem: US responsible for increased attacks and supporting terrorism in Syria

MOSCOW-Foreign Minister Walid al Muallem blames the United States for the growth and support of terrorism in Syria.

“I would like to emphasize that it is the United States who contribute to the flow of terrorism in Syria, encourage it not by means of landing troops, but via the territory of Turkey”, – al-Muallem said Friday at a press conference following his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov,according to Voice of Russia.

Terrorists supported from abroad bomb civilian assets in Syria – Minister of Foreign Affairs

“I would like to note that those, who accuse the Syrian government of carrying out bombings of its own facilities and schools, are known. There arises a conclusion that they are either “specialists” or they do not understand what is going on,” he said.

“The Syrian government in accordance with its responsibilities and according to the Constitution protects its people and its government institutions in the territory of Syria. Those who destroy (assets) in Syria are terrorists, and terrorist groups. Unfortunately, their number is increasing as a result of support on the part of well-known states from abroad,” Muallem said.

Russia, Syria agree to honor chemical arms disposal timeframe – Lavrov

Russia and Syria have reaffirmed their adherence to the coordinated timeframe of Syrian chemical weapons’ exportation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

“We have agreed today – and we confirm this once again – to observe the approved approximate deadlines of the accomplishment of this task, naturally, with appropriate security measures and resolution of all logistical problems,” Lavrov told a press conference after Moscow negotiations with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Mualem.

Attempts to disrupt Geneva-2 under humanitarian pretexts unacceptable – Lavrov

” let us be frank – it is not acceptable to use this subject an excuse for complicating or even so disrupting the convocation of Geneva-2,” said Lavrov.

“Attempts are being made, in particular, with the use of UN mechanisms, to exacerbate tensions surrounding the Syrian humanitarian situation and create another pretext for the promotion of the idea of so-called “humanitarian corridors” and no-fly zones and, in the end, to justify a humanitarian intervention,” the minister said.

“It is simply deplorable to search for new pretexts and create artificial pretexts for a foreign intervention and to use such a thing as the humanitarian crisis in doing so,” he concluded.

UN should analyze contributions for humanitarian aid to Syria declared at Kuwait conference – Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov believes the declared contributions for humanitarian assistance to Syria should be analyzed by the UN.

“In the interests of building confidence, it is important that the UN should analyze the declared contributions and release materials stating specific recipients of the declared assistance and its specific forms,” said  Lavrov .

Russia concerns that Syrian “National Coalition “is delaying formation of delegation for meeting in Montreux – Lavrov

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed concerns about the position taken by the Syrian “opposition” on the issue of its participation in Geneva-2.

“We are, of course, concerned about the fact that, while the Syrian government has already given its consent to participate in the conference and has formed its delegation, the “opposition”, primarily the so-called “National Coalition”, has still not taken any steps in this direction and they are being delayed,”affirmed  Lavrov .

Lavrov recalled that Geneva-2 is scheduled to open with a meeting at the ministerial level in Montreux on January 22.

Syrian FM asks for Moscow’s assistance in Aleppo ceasefire plan implementation

Damascus has asked the Russian Foreign Ministry for its assistance in the approval of the Aleppo ceasefire plan.

“I have requested that Minister Lavrov have the contacts necessary for the implementation of this plan and the setting of a precise timeframe for the cessation of all military operations in that region,” said Walid al-Mualem .

He also said he had informed Lavrov about the readiness of the Syrian authorities to exchange POW lists with the opposition and “to design a mechanism required for the achievement of these goals.”

Damascus prepared to pool efforts with opposition to fight terrorists – FM

The Syrian government is prepared to pool efforts with the opposition to fight terrorists, said  Muallem said in a statement in Moscow earlier today.

Al-Muallem  confirmed that Damascus is prepared for cooperation with the other party to attain the objective (counter terrorism) on the basis of the G-8 summit declaration and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Mualem also confirmed the Syrian authorities’ intention to send its delegation to Geneva-2. He also said the fight against terrorism is currently a priority of the Syrian government and he is ready to work with the Syrian “opposition “on that.

M.D