In recent times, Western experts are taking the position that the extension of cooperation between Russia and Iran is becoming a serious obstacle for the US, which hopes for the overthrow of President of Syria Bashar Assad. The Wall Street Journal reports that the intensive support for Assad by Moscow and Tehran puts the administration of Barack Obama in a deadlock position, diplomatically and strategically. Washington has already reduced its demands to the fact that Assad should leave before a transaction of power in the country.
Yesterday, another round of Russian-Iranian consultations on the Middle East took place in Moscow with the participation of the Special Envoy of the Russian President for the Middle East and African Countries, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Mikhail Bogdanov, and his Iranian colleague Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. They expressed a common view that it was necessary to build a broad inter-Syrian dialogue without foreign dictat and with appropriate respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria. They expressed support for the efforts by the Special Envoy of the UN to Syria, de Mistura.
Bogdanov recalled the Russian initiative to work on a collective basis with the participation of all regional and other interested sides.
On the same day Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented on statements by US officials in connection with the military-technical assistance that Russia provides to Syria. “Some cosmic conclusions are linked and made about our assistance to Syria. The isolation of Russia is also spoken about in connection with the provision of our assistance. Russia has never concealed that it provides and continues to cooperate with Syria, including in the military sphere. And contrary to the statements voiced regularly from Washington about the merits and successes of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, about which I, for example, have serious doubts, due to the fact that the crisis is gaining momentum, and the number of refugees from the region is growing, and ISIS is not going to concede. The Syrian regular army has borne the brunt of the fight against the terrorists on its territory during the year.”
Zakharova explained that when the countries of the Western coalition were constantly fluctuating about the goals and objectives of their attitude towards Syria; Damascus’s position was absolutely consistent and clear. “Just until recently the concept of ISIS or Islamic State was basically absent in the statements of the US leadership, but they did not notice or did not want to notice this fact. Only recently have we focused on what is truly a global problem,” she said.
The Foreign Ministry is happy that finally the US spotted the threat and understood with whom they are dealing. But they also have to realize that to deal with it effectively can only be possible with a united front. And to achieve this without a legitimate government in Syria is impossible.
Zakharova stressed that Russia is accused of supporting Syria and the illegitimate government in Damascus. “Who has concluded the illegitimacy of the current government in Damascus and on what basis? This is a UN member-state, agreements are signed and negotiations are held with the same government, including talks on the chemical demilitarization of the country. The signatures of representatives of Damascus were regarded as legitimate in this case. In contrast to many countries, such as France, the UK and many others, which claim the right to bomb Syria guided by good intentions, we consider it as a real violation of international law.”
