Recent US Aggression on Syria Clear Violation of International Law: Russian Ambassador in Tehran

TEHRAN – Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Jagarian has decried as a “clear violation of the internal law” the recent US aggression on the Syrian Shayrat Airfield on the pretext that the Syrian government had allegedly launched a chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province.

In an exclusive interview with Iran’s Tasnim news agency in Tehran, Jagarian said the chemical attack in khan Sheikhoun was a “provocative move by the terrorists” to clear the way for a US military strike in Syria.

However, the ambassador added, Russia believes that the US could play a positive role in the settlement of the crisis in Syria, and stressed the need for continued political and military efforts though “there are numerous problems in Syria and there is no trust between the warring sides at all.”

 Asked about the prospect of a solution to the crisis in Syria, Jagarian said it appears to be “far away” as “the differences are too many.”

“Particularly after the US attack, the opposition has become hopeful about overthrowing the Syrian legitimate government with the use of force, but they should realize that a military resolution (of the crisis) is basically impossible, and they need to deal with the issue only politically and work with the legitimate government. We must also preserve Syria’s territorial integrity,” Jagarian said.

The envoy recommended the US government to take a more active role in the political sphere instead of resorting to force.

Expecting Tangible Shift in US Policy

According to Jagarian, the new US administration’s policies have fallen short of Russia’s expectations, expressing hope that Washington would come to the understanding that settlement of crises, like those in Syria and Afghanistan, requires interaction with Moscow.

He said US President Donald Trump was expected to keep his pledge to revise his predecessor’s “wrong policies” toward Russia and begin to resolve the problems created by Barack Obama.

 “We are still waiting, but no serious change has occurred yet,” he added.

H.M