Russian FM reaffirms commitment to Syrian national sovereignty

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, Feb 9, IRNA -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said on Tuesday Russia respects Syrian national sovereignty.

He said that Russia is involved in campaign against terrorism upon invitation of the Syrian government and Iran is currently extending military advice to the Syrian government.

"The formed US-led "anti-IS coalition" doesn't have this legitimacy because there's no UN Security Council resolution for this or an invitation from the legitimate Syrian government," said Syromolotov.

He said that earlier the Russian side took the initiative to create a single, legitimate and broad international front against terrorism, a new coalition such as the anti-Hitler coalition.

"Something is carried out in this regard; new, high-quality resolutions of the UN Security Council were adopted, work through the International Syria Support Group is continued, political talks over Syria are open, giving – despite all the problems and vicissitudes – some hope for a settlement," he noted.

"But it is the beginning of the road, and the success is only possible with the availability of states' political will of the partnership and effective collaboration," added Syromolotov.

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