Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pointed the finger at the U.S. for operating illegally in Syria's land and airspace.
“Since the very beginning, we have consistently taken a very clear stance. Everyone who is on the Syrian soil or in Syria’s airspace without the consent of the Syrian government violates the international law,” Lavrov told journalists.
Lavrov's rebuke came during a press conference on Monday with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Amman to discuss a peace settlement to the crisis and the formation of a de-escalation zone in southern Syria.
“Russia, as well as the representatives of Iran, including the representatives of the Hezbollah movement, is working here upon a direct invitation from Syria’s legitimate authorities,” he said.
However, “some unwelcome guests with arms in their hands are in Syria’s territory,” Lavrov said, in reference to the U.S. He added that contact was eventually established with Washington as an opportunity arose to cooperate in the war on terror.
Lavrov pointed out that many members of the U.S.-led coalition are employing double standards and are trying to ensure the survival of U.N.-listed terrorist organizations, namely the Nusra Front.
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
