23/09/2013 09:30
Russia says West exploiting Syria deal to threaten force
Russia accused the West on Sunday of trying to exploit a chemical weapons deal with Syria to push through a U.N. resolution threatening force against President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reported.
Assad's government has handed over information about its chemical arsenal to a U.N.-backed weapons watchdog, meeting the first deadline of the ambitious U.S.-Russia accord that the U.N. Security Council is due to endorse in the coming days.
But major powers on the council, who have disagreed throughout a conflict that has killed 100,000 people, remain divided over how to ensure compliance with the accord.
The United States, France and Britain want a council resolution issued under Chapter 7 of the U.N. charter, which could authorize sanctions or military intervention if Damascus reneges on its commitments.
Russia, which along with China has blocked three draft resolutions on Syria since the 2011 uprising against Assad erupted, opposes Western threats of force against an ally that Moscow has continued to arm and support during the civil war.
"They see in the U.S.-Russian deal not a chance to save the planet from significant quantities of chemical weapons in Syria, but as a chance to do what Russia and China will not allow, namely to push through a resolution involving (the threat of) force against the regime and shielding the opposition," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Assad, in an interview with China's state broadcaster CCTV, said he was "not concerned" about the U.N. draft resolution. He said that by submitting the draft, "the U.S., France and Britain are just trying to make themselves winners in a war against a Syria which is their imaginary enemy."
He also said China and Russia "are playing a positive role in the Security Council to ensure any excuse for military action against Syria will not stand."
Lavrov said Russia was ready to send troops to Syria to ensure the safety of U.N. chemical weapons inspectors.
"An international presence is needed on the perimeters of the areas where the experts will work," he said. "We are willing to send our troops and military police to participate.
"I do not think that there is a need for a major contingent. I think military observers will be sufficient."