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Syrian opposition accuses Russia of hypocrisy in Syria

Syrian Opposition’s High Negotiations Committee says Russia disguising assault on Aleppo with talks about humanitarian aid

Ahmet Sait Akçay  | 29.07.2016 - Update : 30.07.2016
Syrian opposition accuses Russia of hypocrisy in Syria Firefighters and civilians seen near wreckages as the flames rise from a damaged building after the Russian forces staged air-strike over residential areas in Seyf al-Devle Neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria on April 23, 2016. ( Ibrahim Ebu Leys - Anadolu Agency )

Ankara

ANKARA 

A Syrian opposition umbrella group has accused Russia of disguising its assault on northern Syria’s Aleppo province with promises of opening humanitarian corridors in the region.

In a statement issued on Friday, Bassma Kodmani, a member of the Syrian Opposition’s High Negotiations Committee, said: "The world must not allow Russia to get away with disguising its assault on Aleppo with deceitful talk about humanitarian ‘corridors’.

"Be clear -- these 'corridors' are not for getting aid in, but driving people out. The brutal message to our people is: leave or starve."

He said the people of Aleppo would not be intimidated. "If Russia were sincere it would tell the [Bashar al-] Assad regime to withdraw its forces who have cut off the main route in and out only a few days ago.

"Getting aid to our people must not be dictated by those who are besieging Aleppo," Kodmani added.

He praised the efforts of the UN to gain access into the area in the face of the Syrian regime’s obstruction.

"[However,] the United Nations and International Syria Support Group must stand against Russia's repeated policy of saying one thing and doing the opposite," he said.

"It is time Russia worked to achieve the agreements and resolutions it signed instead of working to frustrate them," he said.

He also blamed Russia for destroying the political transition process in Syria, saying: "The efforts of United Nations Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura to achieve political transition are severely hindered by Russia's behavior."

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