Russia opposes UNSC sanctions on Syria for chemical weapons use

Russia has again announced its firm objection to a UN Security Council resolution that sanctions the Syrian Assad regime and Daesh for their use of chemical weapons, Quds Press reported yesterday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by state news as saying the resolution “is categorically unacceptable to us.”

Ryabkov added: “We warn them against attempts to fan tensions in the UN Security Council.”

He also accused France and Britain, who drafted the resolution, of renewing tension inside the UN Security Council, noting that their attempts to do this would not succeed.

According to AP, which obtained a copy of the draft resolution, Britain and France would impose sanctions on a number of Syrian individuals, organisations and companies allegedly involved in chemical attacks in Syria. It would also ban sales of helicopters to Syria.

The French foreign ministry said in a statement: “We hope that a clear condemnation of these crimes will be issued by the UN Security Council and that it imposes sanctions on perpetrators of these crimes.”

The statement added: “The Syrian army and [Daesh] used chemical weapons against civilians at least three times. These inhuman acts are unacceptable.”

It also added: “France will never accept the use of chemical weapons in Syria to pass without punishment. The use of chemical weapons was confirmed… We call on our partners in the UN Security Council to be responsible.”