Moscow Warns A L Over Syria Seat for Terrorists

Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned the Arab League on Thursday that its recent decision to give Syria’s seat to the “opposition National Council “would legalize arms supplies to militants and terrorists,according to RIA Novosti

The Arab League’s decision to give the “SNC” the seat facilitates the possibility of legalizing arms supplies to “terrorists,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.

 “Considering that the most battle worthy force standing up to Syria’s regular army is admittedly Jabhat al Nusra, a terrorist group, it is easy to see who will become the ‘end user’ of that assistance,” Lukashevich said.

He claimed there was still a chance for talks between the Syrian government and the disparate opposition groups.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday Russia is taking no sides in the Syrian conflict and hopes the Syrian opposition will soon form a team to negotiate with government representatives. Moscow has previously said it is ready to provide a venue for negotiations between the Syrian opposition and Syrian authorities.

Earlier this week, during a visit to London with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Lavrov warned Britain against arming the terrorists in Syria, saying this would breach international law, The Independent reported. Britain said last week it was ready to supply light armored vehicles to the rebels.

On Tuesday, Moscow criticized the United States’ support for the Syrian opposition.

M.D