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UN-STYRIA-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-DIPLOMACY
Russia condemned for calling Syrian White Helmets a ‘threat’
UNITED NATIONS, United States, Oct 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Russia was
denounced at the United Nations Thursday after describing the Syrian rescue
volunteers known as the White Helmets as a “threat” and demanding their
removal from the war-torn country, diplomats said.
“(The) presence of White Helmets is a source of threat,” the Russian
representative said in a closed meeting of the UN Security Council called by
Moscow, according to a diplomat present at the talks.
“We call on western countries to move the White Helmets from Syria.
Terrorists should be removed. (It’s) not a good idea to have them in
civilized society,” the diplomat quoted the Russian envoy as saying.
Moscow’s representative specifically highlighted their presence in Idlib,
Syria’s last major rebel stronghold, according to another diplomat speaking
anonymously.
Founded in 2013, the Syria Civil Defense, or White Helmets, saves those
wounded in attacks on rebel zones.
Russia does not consider members present in Syria’s rebel areas to be
rescue workers and has already accused them several times in the past of
being linked to terror groups.
According to several diplomatic sources, the United States, Britain and
France reacted with fury and dismay.
The US condemned the “outrageous and false accusations of Russia. The White
Helmets are a humanitarian organization. Russia continues to spread false
information,” according to the sources.
Britain meanwhile called on the Russians to “stop wasting the council’s
time” while France said it was “surprised and dismayed,” adding that the
group has “saved hundreds of people.”
Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have retaken large parts of Syria
from opposition fighters and jihadists since Russia intervened in September
2015.
Moscow’s demands to the Security Council came as a planned buffer zone in
northwest Syria was cleared of heavy armaments and a new deadline loomed for
the tougher task of Turkey convincing jihadists to pull out.
The demilitarized zone ringing the Idlib region is the result of a deal
reached last month between rebel backer Turkey and government ally Russia to
stave off a regime assault on the rebel bastion.
BSS/AFP/MRI/0837 HRS