Russia criticized Syria’s new leaders during a closed UN meeting, warning of jihadist threats and drawing parallels to the Rwandan genocide. Moscow aims to maintain military bases while addressing sectarian killings of Alawites, urging a unified Syria and cautioning against the dissolution of its army. The UN Security Council is negotiating a statement to condemn the violence and stress inclusivity in Syria’s political transition.
In a closed UN briefing, Russia criticized Syria’s new leadership, citing concerns over the rise of jihadist groups and equating recent sectarian killings of Alawites to the Rwandan genocide. This criticism comes as Russia aims to maintain its military presence in coastal Syria, where violence against Alawites has recently escalated following an attack on government forces by factions loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.
The Kremlin, which previously backed Assad, has suggested that Syria must remain unified while engaging in discussions with other nations. Reports from the meeting reveal that Russia’s envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, made alarming comparisons between the violence in Syria and the systematic massacre of Tutsis during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Despite Nebenzia’s statements in the UN meeting, he expressed the intent that such discussions remain discreet. This secrecy indicates Russia’s cautious approach, as stated by Anna Borshchevskaya, a Russia expert, emphasizing the Kremlin’s desire to regain influence without overtly criticizing the new government.
Nebenzia further condemned the new rulers for disbanding the army and drastically reducing the public workforce, which he warned could lead to a scenario reminiscent of post-Saddam Iraq. The rapid changes in leadership have alarmed many; critics assert that layoffs target Alawite workers and that government dialogues have not been inclusive enough.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, assured that his administration seeks to foster inclusivity and preserve strong ties with Russia. However, Russia warned that the new government’s actions might lead to a ‘corrupt foundation’ for a stable government and raised concerns about the involvement of foreign fighters in the violence.
The UN Security Council, consisting of 15 members, is working on a consensus statement condemning the violence and urging protection for all Syrian communities. Nebenzia expressed hope for a swift agreement on this matter. The international community remains focused on how Syria’s political transition unfolds, emphasizing inclusivity among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.
This article highlights Russia’s critical stance toward Syria’s new leadership in a recent closed UN meeting, where comparisons were made to the Rwandan genocide due to sectarian violence. The Kremlin is navigating its influence in the region while addressing concerns about foreign fighters and the potential for further instability. The continued push for an inclusive political transition in Syria holds significant implications for international relations and peace in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
