Azernews.Az

By Gunay Hasanova

Following the announcement on the cessation of attacks on Aleppo, Russia offered the UN Security Council to divide the opposition forces from the terrorists in Syria.

Russia circulated in the UN Security Council a draft statement on the necessity to separate moderate opposition from terrorists in Syria, in the light of the halting the airstrikes by the Russian and Syrian forces in Aleppo area, Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said.

"We believe, that under these circumstances it is extremely important for the member states that influence the opposition groups in the eastern Aleppo and beyond, to intensify efforts, to separate expeditiously all moderate opposition forces from terrorist entities designated by the Security Council … We have prepared a draft press statement … and hope it will be approved by the members of the [UN Security] Council, " Sputnik quoted Churkin as saying.

Churkin emphasized that it was also highly important to prevent providing individuals and groups that were associated with the terrorist groups, designated by the UN Security Council, with material and financial support.

The situation in Aleppo has extremely deteriorated lately as heavy battles are going on in the city and its outskirts. The Syrian government launched an operation in Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias.

Earlier, the U.S. accused the Syrian authorities and the Russian Federation of bombing peaceful civilians and armed opposition. Damascus and Moscow insist that strike blows only at the terrorists and accuses Washington of failing to pressure on the troops of "moderate opposition" so that they separate themselves from the terrorists.

--

Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz