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Russia FM voices concerns over U.S. attempt to arm Syrian rebels

Xinhua, December 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov voiced his concerns over possible U.S. arms deliveries to Syrian rebels in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

In a discussion over prospects of the Syrian peace process, Lavrov told his U.S. counterpart that the U.S. decision to ease some restrictions on arming Syrian rebels may further escalate tensions and lead to more causalities in the war-torn country, the ministry said in a statement.

Last week, the outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama signed an annual defense spending bill into law, which allows providing "man-portable air defense systems to the vetted Syrian opposition."

Earlier this month, Obama lifted restrictions on military aid to foreign forces in Syria in the Arms Export Control Act.

Lavrov said the moves by the Obama administration were aimed at undermining the foundation for the normalization of Moscow's ties with the upcoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump, the ministry said. Enditem