Russia Pledges More Syria Assistance: Our Military Presence Not A Secret

Local Editor

A defiant Russia on Thursday said it was ready to increase military support to Syria if needed, dismissing suggestions it could hamper Western efforts to fight “ISIL” militants.

Washington has accused Moscow of solidifying its foothold in Syria, raising.

The fresh tension erupted just weeks before the UN General Assembly in New York at which Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to speak.

Speaking to reporters, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow wanted to avoid a repeat of the “Libyan scenario” in Syria and would therefore provide greater military assistance to the Syrian president if requested.

“We helped, are continuing to help and will help the Syrian government when it comes to supplying the Syrian army with everything it needs,” he said.
But he stressed that Russia was merely supplying its ally with humanitarian aid and military equipment in accordance with existing contracts.

“Russian is sending planes to Syria with both military equipment in accordance with current contracts and humanitarian aid,” he said.
“We have never made our military presence [in Syria] a secret,” he said.
“Russia is not taking any additional steps.”

“This logic is un-comprehensible to me,” Russia’s top diplomat said. “The Syrian army is the most effective force that can stand up to the terror threat on the ground.”
On Wednesday, US officials said two tank-landing ships had arrived at Russia’s Soviet-era naval facility at the Syrian port of Tartus along with naval infantry.
Lavrov said he had discussed Washington’s concerns with US Secretary of State John Kerry who had phoned him twice over the past few days.

He said Kerry was concerned that Russia’s support for Assad would ultimately strengthen the “ISIL” group because its sponsors would be forced to ramp up their military and financial support.

“Well, that logic has been turned upside down,” Lavrov said. “Once again, this is an attempt to appease those who are using terrorists in their fight against unwanted regimes.” “I believe this is a colossal mistake.”

Putin has called for the establishment of a wider coalition to combat “ISIL” in Syria and his spokesman said he would raise the issue in his UN address.

Russia “sees as its goal giving support to the Syrian authorities in fighting the dangerous phenomenon that is the so-called Islamic State,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Source: Al-Ahed news