isis
© AFP 2016/ Fadi al-Halabi / AMC
Moscow is basing its Syrian strategy on the fact that the al-Nusra Front terrorist group is operating near Aleppo and urges the United States to share any information indicating otherwise, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Alexey Borodavkin said on Tuesday.

"We are building on the fact that the al-Nusra Front is fighting Syria's armed forces near Aleppo. If someone has differing information, which is exact, with coordinates, then we once again request you to share it with us. Tell us where West-supported opposition forces that are observing the ceasefire are. If this is done, then of course, these groups will not be hit, as has been promised by Russia many times," Borodavkin told Sputnik.


Comment: This is quite the telling quote. As we remember, Russia repeatedly called for the U.S. to provide the name and location of any 'friendly, moderate' groups, so they could make sure not to bomb them. The U.S. refused. It was only after the so-called rebels were on the verge of defeat that the U.S. cried uncle and signed on to the cessation of hostilities - when they allegedly did provide such information. But it looks like even then they were not exactly forthcoming.

Translate Borodavkin's statements and you get this: The U.S. has not told Russia which groups they are supporting, where they are located, and whether or not they are observing the ceasefire. The reason is obvious: the U.S. cannot do so, because they are supporting terrorist organizations fronting as 'moderate rebels'. The U.S.-supported groups observing the ceasefire simply do not exist.


Borodavkin also noted that the Syrian government army is carrying out combat operations against Daesh and al-Nusra Front jihadist groups in Syria in line with a UN resolution designating them as terrorist organizations.

"The Syrian armed forces, backed by the Russian Aerospace Forces, strike those they consider terrorists and those considered terrorists by the UN Security Council in accordance with Resolution 2254. This resolution clearly states that the al-Nusra Front and Daesh are terrorist groups," Borodavkin said.

Borodavkin stressed that the Syrian army is fighting only these two groups.

"If among Daesh or al-Nusra militants there are representatives of the groups that are part of the High Negotiations Committee [opposition delegation], then we can only regret that. We recommend these groups to immediately stop all contact and cooperation with al-Nusra and Daesh, announce it publicly in accordance with existing procedure, and join the cessation of hostilities," he reiterated.


Comment: Touche!