UK rejects Russia offer for strikes against ISIL
The UK has declined an offer by Russia to cooperate in the determination of targets for strikes against ISIL and other terrorist groups in Syria.
"Seeing that the UK officially declared a war on ISIL, we offered to cooperate in the determination of targets for strikes against ISIL, al-Nusra Front and some other terrorist groups," said Russian Ambassador to London Alexander Yakovenko.
The ambassador went on saying that he discussed the issue with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond two months ago adding: ”Regretfully, the British side declined the offer.”
He hopes that London will change its mind at some point. "The UK could help if it liked, and I hope that British colleagues will change their mind at some point. However, time is passing, and we are resolving many tasks on our own," he said.
He noted that Russia has established relations with Free Syrian Army and other opposition forces.
The announcement comes as major negotiators have agreed to a cessation of hostilities in Syria set to begin in a week and to provide rapid humanitarian access to besieged Syrian towns. The agreement on Friday came following a marathon meeting in Munich aimed at resurrecting peace talks that collapsed last week.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday a ceasefire is to take effect within a week. He urged the Saudi-backed opposition to abandon its “unconstructive” stance and return to the negotiating table without preconditions.
Moscow has been bombing areas under the control of Daesh and other terrorists in Syria since September 30 upon a request by the Syrian government.
The air raids have helped Syrian armed forces gain the upper hand in the battle ground against extremist groups. Backed by the Russian air cover, Syrian forces have managed to liberate many militant-held areas over the past few months.
UK suspends legal assessments of Israeli violations in Gaza
70,000 pro-Palestine people in UK urge London to end arms exports to Israel
Former minister says UK should consider sending troops to Ukraine
US House speaker wants National Guard to quell pro-Palestine student protests
Iran, Russia sign MoU to strengthen security cooperation
VIDEO | Iran marks defeat of US military operation in Tabas Desert
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
US troopers crack down on pro-Palestinian protests at University of Texas
VIDEO | German warship departs Red Sea as EU 'naval mission' fails
VIDEO | Palestinians inspect rubble of destroyed building in Rafah
Yemeni forces strike US, Israeli vessels in fresh pro-Palestinian operations
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
