Moscow: French UNSC drafted resolution on Syria "politicized, unbalanced"

The France-sponsored drafted resolution of the United Nations Security Council on Syria is "politicized, unbalanced and one-sided," the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday after Moscow vetoed the drafted resolution in a vote earlier in the day.

The draft, presented immediately after the United States refused to fulfill the Russia-U.S. agreement on Syrian settlement, "grossly distorted the real situation," as it placed all the blame for the escalation of tensions on the government of the country (Syria), the ministry said in a statement on its Facebook page.

The ministry criticized the draft for attempting to ban flights in the area of Aleppo, which would "provide cover for the terrorist groups that have merged with militants."

The statement added that the Russian side had offered amendments during discussions on the drafted resolution, and reiterated the necessity of separating the so-called moderate militants from terrorists, but "sponsors of the French proposal...failed to show political wisdom."

While voicing "deep regret," the ministry reaffirmed Russia's commitment to finding a lasting political solution to the Syrian conflict, adding that it stands ready for teamwork in the implementation of existing agreements and coordination of further steps.

On Sept. 10, Russia and the United States announced a landmark agreement on a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, which both sides hoped would lead to their countries' military cooperation to end more than five years of bloodshed there.

However, the truce accord has not been strictly observed with each accusing the other of derailing the deal. Enditem