Russia: Any Operations Conducted in Syria without the Syrian government’s Approval Are Unacceptable

MOSCOW, (ST)- Moscow has reiterated that any operations conducted in Syria without the approval of the Syrian government are unacceptable, reaffirming that Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected.

Russia Today website quoted spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova as saying during a press conference on Thursday, that “capturing Syrian lands under whatever pretext, including counterterrorism, is unacceptable”, pointing out that the Syrian government has proved its ability to combat terrorism.

She expressed Russia’s support for attaining long-term security and stability in the Syrian Jazira region, stressing the importance of respecting Syrian sovereignty and launching constructive dialogue among the Syrians, including the Syrian Kurds.

 Zakharova also reiterated that the international legitimacy necessitates the Syrian government’s approval of any operations that might be carried out on the Syrian lands, with reference to the US-Turkish plan to establish a so-called “safe zone” in Syria.

Hamda Mustafa