Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday accused Washington of stoking separatist sentiment among Syria’s Kurds, as Turkey pressed an offensive against US-backed Kurdish militia in northern Syria.
“Washington has actively encouraged and continues to encourage separatist sentiments among Kurds,” Lavrov told reporters.
“This is either a lack of understanding of the situation or an absolutely deliberate provocation.”
The US-led coalition has announced it has begun forming a 30,000-strong security force to patrol territory captured from ISIL Takfiri.
Meanwhile, the top Russian diplomat said Moscow has invited Kurds to take part in an upcoming Syrian peace congress in Sochi despite a Turkish offensive against Kurdish militia in Afrin.
“Kurdish representatives have been included on the list of Syrians invited to participate in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress which will take place in Sochi next week Lavrov said.
Together with Iran Turkey, Russia wants to convene a peace conference with the aim of agreeing a new constitution for post-war Syria. The peace talks have been planned for January 29 and 30.
Lavrov said that Syrian Kurds should play a role in the “future political process.”
“This role should certainly be ensured,” he told reporters, but added that all of Syria’s ethnic groups should respect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Source: Agencies
