Russia Rejects Syria Sanctions, Shaaban: West Sanctions Stoking Violence

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Russia Rejects Syria Sanctions, Shaaban: West Sanctions Stoking Violence

During a visit to Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s political and media adviser Bouthaina Shaaban said western sanctions against Syria are stoking violence in the Middle Eastern country adding that the Libyan scenario will not be repeated in the country.

“The West should choose the path of peace,” Shaaban told reporters in Moscow. “We are making changes aimed at peace, security and stability. By not supporting this and imposing sanctions, directly or indirectly they are supporting violence.”

Shaaban, one of three Syrian officials who had sanctions imposed on them by the U.S. Treasury Department last month, condemned “foreign interference” in Syria and said the government is committed to peaceful political reform.

Shaaban hailed the Russian balanced position saying “history will show that Russia was right.”

The Syrian presidential adviser said Syrian leadership believes that "it is impossible. The people drew the lesson." "Before NATO invaded Libya about 20 people were killed. And now a total of 50,000 people have been killed and 10,000 injured, and 100,000 people remained homeless," she said.
Shaaban also denied reports saying that at least 10,000 people have died in the turmoil facing the country. "According to our data, a total of 700 people were killed from every side," he said.

TOUGH BUT BALANCED

Russia and China, veto-wielding members of the United Nations Security Council, have resisted efforts by Washington and its European allies to step up the international response to Syria's crackdown on protests.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he is seeking a “balanced” United Nations resolution on Syria without sanctions.

“It should be tough but should not imply automatic sanctions,” Medvedev said during a joint briefing with U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron in Moscow. “There is no need for extra pressure.”

Medvedev also said it was important that any resolution adopted by the UN Security Council should “not turn into a sort of resolution 1973.”
Source: Websites

Shaaban: Events in Syria Linked to Zionist and Western Plots to Divide Arab Countries

Sep 13, 2011

MOSCOW, (SANA) – During a meeting with the Russian-Syrian Friendship Association, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban affirmed that events taking place in Syria are linked to Zionist and Western plots to divide Arab countries and end the Arab-Israeli conflict without restoring Arab rights.
During the meeting, Dr. Shaaban reviewed the facets of the Syrian crisis and its connections to foreign agendas, stressing that facts and confessions of terrorist confirm the existence of foreign plots and sides that provide logistic support and media coverage to cause violence and undermine Syria's stability.

She stressed that the priority is realizing the interests of the Syrian people, saying "we don't believe the West and other forces in the region when they talk about democracy and human rights… we have blatant examples of the violation of those rights and destruction of countries in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and more."

For his part, Chairman of the Association Alexander Dzasokhov affirmed that the majority of the Russian people support Syria in the face of the hostile plots targeting it, noting that Russian public opinion and political, parliamentary and social figures agree with the Russian leadership in rejecting foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs.

In a similar meeting, Dr. Shaaban reviewed with members of the Syrian community in Russia the situation in Syria, attempts at foreign interference in its affairs, and instigation campaigns carried out by mass media to misguide public opinion in Syria and abroad, stressing the important role of the Syrian people's awareness to foil these plots.

She also underlined the recent reform steps and laws in political, economic and social fields.
In turn, members of the Syrian community expressed their support of their homeland under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, voicing confidence in Syria's ability to overcome the current crisis and expressing readiness to do all that can help achieve this, reiterating rejection of all attempts to destabilize Syria and undermine its dignity.

They also lauded the stances of Russian people and leadership in support of Syria's aspirations to resolve its issues on its own and build a modern, prosperous country without tampering with its sovereignty and internal affairs.
H. Sabbagh