Eastern Ghouta Makes World Headlines; Americans Look the Other Way at Terrorist Activity
Today the situation in Eastern Ghouta has become the number 1 topic in world politics. The military, diplomats, and the officials of different countries are discussing the critical situation in the Syrian region. But at the same time, those who have influence on the militants are in no hurry to make them comply with the truce terms.
Denis Davydov will tell us why.
The beginning of the press conference of the Russian Foreign Minister and his French counterpart coincided with the end of the first humanitarian break in Eastern Ghouta. Shelling prevented the civilians from using the corridor set up by the unanimous decision on a ceasefire in Syria made by the UN Security Council on Saturday.
Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister: "We supported the resolution to announce the end of hostilities with the participation of all parties, making the cease-fire work throughout Syria. Though it's clear that we are still far from this, I would like to express hope that those influencing the oppositionists, who according to the UN continue to bombard Damascus, will take responsibility and come to terms with the need to comply with the UN Security Council".
The humanitarian pause is an initiative of the Russian President. The government forces will stop firing on terrorists' positions for 5 hours so that civilians can leave the dangerous area. The militants have been using civilians as shields for several years.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Foreign Minister: "It will be possible to have a humanitarian convoy for 5 hours every day. Of course, it would be better if it could last 24 hours, but let's say a 5-hour ceasefire is a positive step forward".
Russia has experience in organizing humanitarian corridors in Syria. Recall how Aleppo was freed. Residents were given a chance to get out in order to kick out the militants. Russian soldiers helped to de-mine the streets, to establish a post-war life. Today it's a peaceful city. According to the mayor's office 200,000 people have returned to Aleppo. And for comparison footage from Raqqa liberated by the coalition forces. The city was bombed without evacuating the civilians. The bodies are still on the streets, the water supply and sewage systems have been destroyed, it's a real humanitarian crisis.
The coalition tries not to notice the obvious facts, publishing clear misinformation. This time, Bashar Assad's troops are being accused of using chemical weapons. The UK Foreign Secretary already mentioned possible retaliation air strikes in today's interview.
Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Minister: "What I think we need to ask ourselves as a country, is can we allow the use of chemical weapons to go unobstructed and unpunished? I don't think that we can.If we know that it's happened and we can demonstrate it, and if there is a proposal for action where the UK could be useful, then I think that we should seriously consider it".
So far, accusations against the government forces are unfounded. Not a single authoritative international organization confirmed the use of chemical weapons. The UK Foreign Ministry calls on Russia to use its influence on the Damascus. The UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs even called our Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko today, who, in turn, intends to urge London to put pressure on the armed groups. And here is how the Kremlin comments on the situation in Eastern Ghouta.
Dmitry Peskov: "Speaking of the situation in Eastern Ghouta, our counterparts generally ignore the excesses and the situation that the terrorists are provoking there. Russia will continue to work hard to implement the agreed resolution and to defend its position".
Dmitry Peskov says the humanitarian corridor situation in the Damascus suburb Eastern Ghouta will depend on the actions of the terrorist groups. If provocations cease, there will be an opportunity to increase the duration of humanitarian breaks.
Denis Davydov and Anna Kol. Vesti.