Russia: 'Political Suicide' If Assad Use of Chemical Weapons
Russia on Monday said that it would be "political suicide" for the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if they use chemical weapons against the opposition forces.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview broadcast on English-language television channel RT that Assad returned warrants to Moscow that he had no plans to carry out attacks.
"I do not believe Syria would use chemical weapons," Lavrov said in comments translated by the channel into English. "It would be political suicide for the government if it does."
Russia remains a key ally of Syria in 21 months of violence that is believed to be monitoring the opposition has claimed more than 44,000 lives.
They were surprised by three rounds of UN Security Council sanctions against Assad and denounced Washington to recognize the Syrian opposition as the legitimate voice of the citizens.
The position of Moscow dubious Western efforts to end the bloodshed by forcing the resignation of Assad from power. Washington also criticized the ongoing Moscow military ties with Damascus.
But Russia also remains one of the countries that still remain in a relationship with Assad, whose status is urged Western countries to pressure the Syrian leader to be down from power.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview broadcast on English-language television channel RT that Assad returned warrants to Moscow that he had no plans to carry out attacks.
"I do not believe Syria would use chemical weapons," Lavrov said in comments translated by the channel into English. "It would be political suicide for the government if it does."
Russia remains a key ally of Syria in 21 months of violence that is believed to be monitoring the opposition has claimed more than 44,000 lives.
They were surprised by three rounds of UN Security Council sanctions against Assad and denounced Washington to recognize the Syrian opposition as the legitimate voice of the citizens.
The position of Moscow dubious Western efforts to end the bloodshed by forcing the resignation of Assad from power. Washington also criticized the ongoing Moscow military ties with Damascus.
But Russia also remains one of the countries that still remain in a relationship with Assad, whose status is urged Western countries to pressure the Syrian leader to be down from power.
