The Syrian National Coalition said that the Russian aggression against Syria has worsened the situation in Syria and led to an increase in the scale of crimes against civilians.
In a press release marking the fourth anniversary of the Russian direct military intervention in Syria, the Coalition said that the Russian option in favor of the Assad regime and in the face of the aspirations and rights of the Syrian people has been a clear option since the beginning of the Syrian Revolution.
“Russia’s political stances and its direct military intervention were not only a form of support for the regime, but a major element in escalating the situation on the ground as it led to unprecedented level of escalation, criminality and displacement,” said the Coalition.
The Coalition cited reports by rights groups which detailed figures of the results of this intervention since day one. According to these reports, the Russian occupation is responsible for the destruction of at least 201 schools, 190 medical centers, and the targeting of 56 popular markets. These attacks claimed the lives of at least 6,686 people, including 1,928 children and 808 women as well as displaced 3.3 million people out of their homes. The real figures could be much higher.
“The Russian aggression is responsible, directly or indirectly, for Assad’s crimes as Russia has been trying to cover up these crimes; propping up the regime, and providing it with political, diplomatic and military support. Furthermore, Russia used the veto 13 times to shield the regime and prevent any international action against it.”
The Coalition reiterated that the international community is responsible and obliged to find appropriate mechanisms to put an end to the subversive Russian and Iranian roles in the region, including moving more effectively and using more influential tools in dealing with the aggressors.
“We affirm that any serious effort to put an end to the catastrophe unfolding on the ground must begin with the adoption of binding resolutions that ensure and end to the bloodshed and open the door to a political solution based on UN Security Council resolution 2254, including the full implementation of the Geneva Communique of 2012.” (Source: Syrian National Coalition’s Media Department)
