Syrian opposition calls for new sanctions against Russia
Representatives from the Syrian opposition have called on the European Union to impose sanctions against Russia for the use of high-tech weapons, including the bunker-buster bombs that it uses against the civilian population in eastern Aleppo, a senior member of the opposition Syrian High Negotiations Committee (HNC), Bassma Kodmani, said.
“The EU should immediately introduce targeted sanctions against Russian officials and companies that are directly involved in the uncontrolled attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure and medical facilities, as well as those who support the Assad regime financially,” Kodmani said, quoted by Anadolu agency.
Kodmani also said that if a blind eye is turned to the killing of civilians, bombings of humanitarian targets and medical institutions, “Russia will continue its illegal campaign and cover-up the killings.”
According to the representative of HNC, sanctions should go in-line with the creation of safe zones, protected from air operations in Aleppo. This will not only save lives, but also give rise to a significant political process, she said.
Earlier it was reported that the United Nations Security Council will discuss a draft resolution calling on the United States and the Russian Federation to ensure an immediate cease-fire in Syrian Aleppo.
At the same time, representatives of the US administration started to discuss harsher options for Washington’s response to the resumption of fighting in Aleppo, including resolving the situation by military means.