Russia considers pressure on UN Security Council inadmissible

Russia considers any pressure on the U.N. Security Council inadmissible, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Friday. It is also inadmissible to use force in Syria by referring to reports on a possible chemical attack in Damascus’ suburbs, Lukashevich said. “We believe that it is inadmissible to put pressure on the U.N. Security Council to use force in Syria amidst the regular anti-Syrian propaganda,” the diplomat said. “It is obvious that such calls proceed from those who blocked the Syrian government’s address to conduct an immediate and unbiased investigation in the chemical attack in Khan Al Asal,” the Russian spokesman said. He said reports saying a chemical attack would be made in Damascus’ suburbs on August 21 were provocative. “Moscow continues to watch the development of events. More and more proof are spread that these reports were provocative. Several websites say reports on the incident were placed several hours before the so-called attack. Thus, we can say the attack was planned well in advance,” Lukashevich said. He said, “We maintain permanent contacts with Syrian leaders by encouraging them to develop constructive cooperation with U.N. experts. We believe that Damascus takes an important decision to allow the arrival by the U.N. High Commissioner for Disarmament Affairs. We laud the Syrian government’s constructive approach towards approving a visit by member of the U.N. Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria Carla Del Ponte.” In addition, he said the Syrian opposition had not given any signals on its readiness to ensure security and an efficient work of U.N. experts on a territory controlled by terrorists. “This hampers an objective investigation into reports on a possible use of chemical weapons in Syria. Several countries, including Russia, insist on this,” Lukashevich said. He urged all those who had influence upon the Syrian opposition “to take necessary steps towards allowing international experts to fulfill their tasks”.