Gatilov: Western Draft Resolution on Syria at Security Council is Unacceptable

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said that the draft resolution on Syria which the west intends to present to the Security Council on Tuesday for voting is unacceptable.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gatilov affirmed that his country will not approve a draft resolution that involves sanctions against Syria or interference in its internal affairs.

The Deputy Foreign Minister said that the draft resolution in its current state is rejected because it includes the possibility of leveling sanctions against Syria in the future and doesn’t mention non-interference in its internal affairs, and that it also doesn’t include calls for political dialogue between the authorities and the opposition, all of which makes it difficult for Russia to support such a resolution.

Gatilov said that there were talks in recent days in New York regarding the draft resolution on Syria, with a western document being submitted that was unsatisfactory and doesn’t take into consideration all the issues that raise concern for Russia.

He stressed the need for agreeing on a draft resolution that aims at beginning a political process and dialogue between the Syrian leadership and the opposition, considering this the only vital basis for settling the situation in Syria.

Russian Ambassador in Lebanon Reiterates His Country’s Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria’s Internal Affairs

During a meeting with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Russia’s Ambassador in Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin reiterates his country’s rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, saying that his country’s views interference as unconstructive

Zasypkin said that Russia believes that any Security Council resolution that involves interference in Syria’s affairs will expand internal conflict, adding that his country has so far rejected the British draft resolution against Syria despite some amendments and discussions.

The Russian Ambassador called for resolving internal problems through national dialogues, ceasing violence and carrying out quick reforms that benefit the people.

He also voiced Russia’s considerable appreciation of Lebanon’s chairing of the Security Council in September and its activates in the UN General Assembly.