Russia Castigates Syria’s New Leaders in Closed UN Briefing
DAMASCUS: Russia criticized Syria’s new leaders in a closed United Nations briefing this week, warning against the rise of jihadists in Syria and comparing sectarian killings of Alawites to Rwanda’s genocide.
Moscow’s private criticism of Syria’s Islamist rulers comes despite Russian efforts to retain two key military bases in coastal Syria, the same region where hundreds of people from the Alawite minority were killed last week.
The violence was triggered on March 6 by an attack on new government security forces blamed on ex-army figures loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, who is Alawite. That attack unleashed widespread killings of Alawites across several provinces by groups accused of links to the new government.
Russia’s Strategy
Russia’s envoy Vassily Nebenzia compared the sectarian and ethnic killing to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically massacred by Hutu extremists, led by the Rwandan army and a militia known as the Interahamwe.
Nebenzia told Reuters, "I say what I want in the closed consultations, based on the premise that it is closed consultations and nothing comes out."
Russia’s Concerns
Russia is concerned about the rise of jihadists in Syria and the impact on the country’s political transition. It has also expressed worries over the presence of foreign fighters in Syria and the state of the country’s political transition.
At the closed briefing, Russia said the new rulers’ moves created a "corrupt foundation" for the transition away from decades of Assad rule and worried that foreign "terrorist" fighters were playing a "destructive role."
International Community’s Response
The international community has conditioned much of its re-engagement with Syria on the way the transition proceeds, including how inclusive it is of Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
The 15-member Security Council is currently negotiating a statement that would condemn the violence, express concern over the impact on escalating tensions among Syria’s communities, and call on the interim authorities to protect all Syrians regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Conclusion
Russia’s private criticism of Syria’s Islamist rulers highlights the complexities of the situation in Syria. The country is still reeling from the devastating war that has left millions displaced and thousands killed. The international community is closely watching the situation, and Russia’s role in it, as it seeks to reassert its influence in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Russia criticizing Syria’s new leaders?
A: Russia is concerned about the rise of jihadists in Syria and the impact on the country’s political transition.
Q: What is the international community’s response to the violence in Syria?
A: The international community is negotiating a statement that would condemn the violence, express concern over the impact on escalating tensions among Syria’s communities, and call on the interim authorities to protect all Syrians regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Q: What is Russia’s role in the situation in Syria?
A: Russia is seeking to reassert its influence in the region, and its private criticism of Syria’s Islamist rulers is part of its strategy to do so.