Russia concerned about "moderate Syrian opposition" statements - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Moscow calls on the West to pay attention to the statements of the so-called "moderate Syrian opposition" supporting the actions of terrorists, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Thursday. "The situation in Syria remains very tense, radical groups led by Jabhat al-Nusra seized Idlib," Lukashevich said. "Fighting continues on the outskirts of Damascus, in governorates of Homs, Hama and Daraa. Islamic State committed a shocking crime in the Mabuja village near Hama, where terrorists massacred around 40 people, including women and children. The victims were burned alive and beheaded," the spokesman said. The diplomat drew attention to the fact that the National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces hailed Jabhat al-Nusra’s seizure of Idlib as "an important step toward complete liberation of Syria." "This [statement] is supported by the representative of the so-called Free Syrian Army Salim Idris who thinks that al-Nusra’s actions reflect the hopes of all Syrian people," Lukashevich noted. "It raises concerns on whether the external opposition is sincere in its striving to solve the Syrian conflict," the diplomat added. A question arises on how "moderate" opposition can support the actions of terrorists, Lukashevich said. He called on Western partners, who support Syrian militants, to "take into consideration the real state of affairs." Read more