Washington is attempting to split Syria and create a quasi-state on the Euphrates River's east bank as US opposes the return of Syria's northeast to the regime, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
Recent escalation in Russian statements against the US coincided with Moscow's growing skepticism about Washington's intention to withdraw from Syria, but Russian officials still expressed readiness to discuss “eliminating the remaining terrorist strongholds” in the country.
Over the past few weeks, Moscow said it is monitoring the mechanisms for implementing the withdrawal resolution. But Lavrov returned to directly accusing Washington of wanting to divide Syria, hinting that Moscow believes the withdrawal decision was no more than a maneuver.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the US goal is to split Syria and create a quasi-state on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River,” he said at a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart.
He went on to say that the task of restoring Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, approved by the entire UN community including the US, was just a “diversion tactic for Washington.”
“It is already investing in this state, in part, by compelling its allies to pay for the infrastructure development of this part of Syria. Indicatively, the US is prohibiting its allies from investing to restore the infrastructure in the rest of Syria that is under the control of the legitimate government.”
Meanwhile, Russian Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov expressed Moscow's readiness to “cooperate with all parties, including Washington” to eradicate terrorist remnants in Syria.
Bogdanov was speaking at the opening session of the Valdai International Discussion Club on Middle East, titled “Middle East: New Stage, Old Problems?” This year’s conference aimed at exploring Russia’s policy in the East.
Bogdanov warned that ISIS is increasing its recruiting and propaganda activity in the areas to which its elements return. ISIS militants are strengthening their positions in Libya, where they are also improving their relations with al-Qaeda.
He noted that the expansion of ISIS influence in Afghanistan is a direct threat to the members of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), including Russia.
Moreover, he referred to what he called “geopolitical engineering” methods to impose upon the Middle East and North Africa nations, development models and values that are alien to them, have led to the weakening or collapse of national governments in various countries.
It also led “to an unprecedented surge in international terrorism, a large-scale migration crisis, and the violation of a centuries-old patchwork of ethnic and religious harmony.”
Lavrov also indicated that the situation is further being complicated by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Separately, senior adviser to Syrian President, Bouthaina Shaaban, called on the Arab countries to "return to Syria."
She deemed the suspension of Damascus's membership in the Arab League “an unfair decision and dependent on external agendas.”
"Syria is the basis of the League, a very important Arab country,” adding that Arab countries must stand together and support each other.
Earlier, Bogdanov pointed out that return of Syria to the Arab League is being considered, adding that some countries have taken concrete steps, namely the reopening of embassies and increasing consular, political and diplomatic representation in Arab capitals and Damascus.
