Russia Expects Explanations from Saudi over Syria Intervention - Moscow

Russia said Thursday it is waiting for specific explanations from Saudi Arabia over its plans for participation in an operation in Syria.

"One should be aware what plans our Saudi partners have. We have no specifics at this point, only statements. They are sending some planes to Turkish territory," special presidential representative for the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told TASS.

"So far, the Saudis have not joined any of these mechanisms. If they want (to act jointly) with Americans, they should coordinate their participation in the anti-ISIL coalition (referring to so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Levant)," he added.

According to Bogdanov, Saudi Arabia expressed its readiness to take part in the fighting in Syria, not but unilaterally. "They are ready to take part in the fighting, but not on a unilateral basis. The decision on their participation should be taken, for example, by the anti-ISIL coalition," he said.

Meanwhile, Bogdanov stressed that any ground operation in Syria must be agreed with Damascus or UN Security Council...
 [almanar.com.lb]
19/2/16
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