In a move likely to further frustrate Western efforts to increase pressure on Syria, Russia expressed strong disagreement Friday with proposed changes to a UN Security Council draft resolution.
“Judging by the contents of their proposed amendments, their goal is clearly aimed at removing al-Assad’s regime in Damascus,” Deputy Foreign Minister Gannady Gatilov was quoted as saying. “Unfortunately, the West’s approach radically differs from ours,” he added.
Russia has consistently demanded that any UN action excludes the possibility of foreign military intervention in the conflict and insists that violence is being committed on both sides.
“Their position attempts to completely and wholly place the blame on the Syrian government and in every way possible absolve the actions of the armed opposition.”