Russia 'categorically against' Syria intervention
Source: BBC
Russia is "categorically against" foreign intervention in Syria and believes any new steps by the UN Security Council would be "premature", its deputy foreign minister has said.
Russia wields a veto at the UN Security Council and the remarks are a blow to hopes of a fresh initiative there.
International outrage has been expressed at the massacre of 108 people - mostly women and children - in Houla.
Neighbouring Turkey is expelling all Syrian diplomatic staff in Ankara.
The move goes further than the co-ordinated action by a number of other countries, which restricted their expulsions to the most senior staff, although Syrian consular staff in Istanbul will remain.
Turkey's foreign ministry said it was "out of the question to remain silent"
Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18260992
RitchieRich
(292 posts)I remember the first time I heard that Syria was referring to its citizens as terrorist, not really new information, but it brought the "War on Terror" a little closer to home.
Does anyone know what sort of minerals etc. Syria has, or how Russia / China stand to gain?
I can see Syria (personified) proclaiming defiantly:
"I learned it by watching YOU!"
harun
(11,348 posts)stance. Russia wants Syria's backing for their central Asia stance (caucus's, Georgia, etc.). So they back the Syria regime to keep around one of the few supporters they have on these issues.
thanks for the feedback. I suppose alliances are a commodity. My thinking was that they would have some sort of capital at stake.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,178 posts)Trade agreements and such. When is money NOT a part of the equation in something like this. There is a lot of money to be made by rich Russian businessmen in dealing with a country that a lot of other countries restrict their own businessmen from engaging with. They don't want to lose that cozy relationship. What happens to all that trade if a pro-Westerner gets elected after all of this?
For similar reasons they are against any action against Iran.
Is that what it is?
Baclava
(12,047 posts)Syria hosts the sole remaining Russian naval base on the Mediterranean.
RIA-Novosti reported of the Syrian port of Tartus last year:
The city hosts a Soviet-era naval supply and maintenance base, under a 1971 agreement with Syria, still staffed by Russian naval personnel. In particular, the Russian Navy's 5th Mediterranean Squadron has been using the base. It has been reported that Russia and Syria are conducting talks about permitting Russia to develop and enlarge the base in order to establish a stronger naval presence in the Mediterranean, it has been asserted that President Assad has agreed to Tartus ports conversion into a permanent Middle East base for Russias nuclear-armed warships
"The base in Tartus will provide all necessary support for the Russian warships which will be engaged in protecting commercial shipping around the Horn of Africa," an official said.
Russia sending warships to its base in Syria
(Reuters) Nov 2011 - Russia is sending a flotilla of warships to its naval base in Syria in a show of force which suggests Moscow is willing to defend its interests in the strife-torn country...
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/28/us-russia-syria-warships-idUSTRE7AR0S820111128
RitchieRich
(292 posts)I think that carrier with the funny ramp on the nose is a sister ship to the non-completed old hull that was sold to China and recently launched.
David__77
(23,598 posts)It's a relatively good stand, but for the wrong reasons.