Israel's actions not helping Syria stability quest: Kremlin

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Dec 2024 14:34
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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that "Israel's actions" in Syria are unlikely to stabilize the situation, reaffirming Russia's ongoing dialogue with all Middle Eastern countries.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov walks downstairs after a reception to honor the heads of state, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2024. (AP)

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that "Israel's actions in Syria" are unlikely to help stabilize the already unstable situation, explaining, "Of course, the strikes, the actions in the Golan Heights area, in the buffer zone area, let's say, they are unlikely to help stabilize the situation in an already destabilized Syria. This can definitely be said."

Peskov also emphasized that Russia remains committed to maintaining dialogue with all countries in the Middle East region, saying, "Russia maintains dialogue with all countries in the region, and we intend to continue doing so."

Regarding reports of the alleged execution of a cousin of Syria's ousted President Bashar al-Assad, Peskov commented, "We have no information. Of course, we are now closely monitoring everything that is happening in Syria... We will continue to look very carefully, of course, and get out of the realities that are taking place on the ground."

Peskov further stated that Russia has already fulfilled its mission in assisting Syria, and seeks stability in the country.

Russia questions 'Israel's' territorial claims in Golan Heights

Russia has observed contradictory statements from "Israel" regarding the status of the Golan Heights and is unclear about which part of the territory "Israel" considers its own, according to Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, speaking earlier this week.

"We hear conflicting messages coming from Israel," Nebenzia told reporters.

He noted that the Israeli ambassador had sent a letter describing recent decisions as temporary measures due to the "vacuum" in the area. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later referred to the Golan Heights as an "integral part of Israel" during a press conference.

Nebenzia added, "But now we don't know what part of the Golan Heights he considers to be an integral part of Israel, with them violating the buffer zone."

The United Nations Security Council showed general agreement on the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity, protecting civilians, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, according to Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia.

"And the council, I think, was more or less united on the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, to ensure the protection of civilians, to ensure that humanitarian aid is coming to the needed population," Nebenzia told reporters, describing the UN Security Council consultations on Syria as positive.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Russian official noted that the recent events in Syria had taken everyone, including members of the UN Security Council, by surprise. He emphasized the need for patience, observation, and careful evaluation as the situation unfolds.

Nebenzia also mentioned that the UN Security Council discussed drafting a document addressing the developments in Syria, with its potential publication expected in the coming days.

"We were talking about the need to work out a document by the Council, not today. I mean, nobody was ready for that today, but I think in the coming days, very hopefully sooner rather than later, we will see one," he stated.