Russian Foreign Ministry on Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and Iran

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

During her latest press briefing, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (MZ below) omitted discussion of Turkish aggression against Syrian forces in the country's Idlib province.

Ceasefire agreed on by Putin and Erdogan in early March was fatally flawed like earlier because tyrants like Turkey's leader can never be trusted.

Throughout years of US-initiated aggression in Syria, Erdogan used the conflict to advance his imperial interests.

Days earlier, Turkish troops preemptively attacked Syrian forces without just cause.

New convoys of Turkish forces illegally entered northern Syria to control territory in the country Erdogan wants annexed.

Putin's attempt to reason with him failed. A state of low-level war exists between Turkish and Syrian forces that could escalate to something more serious.

A deceptive White House statement said Trump and Erdogan "agreed it is more important now than ever for countries in conflict, particularly Syria and Libya, to adhere to ceasefires and work toward a resolution."

The statement came at the same time that US and Turkish forces are directly and/or indirectly fueling conflict in both countries.

Forever war rages in them with no near-term prospect for resolution.

Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri warned the Trump regime against making provocative moves against the Islamic Republic, adding that US troop movements are being closely monitored.

"(I)f they make the slightest move against our country's security, they will face the most severe reactions," he stressed.

According to MZ, Russia continues to work with Turkey in creating and maintaining a "safety corridor along the M4 motorway and restoring traffic on it."

Saying Putin/Erdogan agreed on "ceasefire…seems to hold," she explained nothing about Turkish aggression this week.

She maintained the fiction of so-called "moderate rebels" in Syria, knowing there are none.

All anti-government forces are US/NATO/Turkish/Israeli/Saudi supported cutthroat killer jihadists.

She reported that ISIS terrorists "continue their attacks on the east bank of the Euphrates (river), in areas beyond the control of the Syrian government," adding: 

"According to our information, in the past few days, between March 20 and 24, ISIS has conducted over 20 terrorist attacks in…Deir Ezzor, Raqqa and Al-Hasakah (provinces), killing 50 people."

She omitted explaining that ISIS and all other jihadist groups in Syria and elsewhere are supported by the US and its imperial partners in high crimes.

Spreading COVID-19 represents a major challenge to many countries worldwide. 

It's especially worrisome in war theaters, refugee camps, and in other areas where large numbers of people are in close contact.

MZ highlighted the situation in Venezuela, stressing the following:

"The government of Nicolas Maduro, notwithstanding extremely complex economic conditions, has been taking consistent and efficient measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus." 

"The President of Venezuela monitors this issue personally and regularly informs the public of recent developments and the steps being taken." 

"The government is engaged in proactive contacts with international partners and organizations that are able and prepared to stop playing political games and actually help the Venezuelan people."

The Trump regime is imposing maximum pain, suffering, and misery of the entire populations of nations on the US target list for regime change — notably Iran and Venezuela.

Efforts by Russia for mutual cooperation among all nations to combat COVID-19, including the lifting of illegal US sanctions on targeted countries, failed because the Trump regime rejected the humanitarian gesture.

Moscow continues providing vital aid to Venezuela, Iran, and other countries on request. China and Cuba are doing the same thing.

The Trump regime and Congress are hellbent to replace all sovereign independent governments not controlled by the US with pro-Western puppet rule — even as the world community prioritizes the battle to contain and eliminate COVID-19.

MZ noted efforts by Cuba to help other countries combat the virus.

The UK cruise ship MS Braemar was allowed to dock 40 km from Havana "on March 18-19 with five confirmed COVID-19 cases on board and 52 passengers with symptoms of the illness," MZ explained.

In response to Italy's request for medical help, Cuban authorities sent dozens of doctors and other medical workers to the country.

They're also working in Venezuela, Grenada, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as Suriname, Jamaica, and elsewhere.

On April 1, a Russian cargo plane arrived in New York City with a cargo of protective gear for medical workers on the front lines of treating COVID-19 patients — despite unrelenting US hostility toward Moscow.

Given its hostility toward all sovereign independent countries, it's unlikely that the Trump regime will return the favor — or extend humanitarian outreach to any nations it wants transformed into vassal states.

MZ explained that Russia is actively aiding Iran combat COVID-19 outbreaks and transmission, over 50,000 Iranians affected.

Days earlier, the foreign ministers of both countries discussed the pressing issue.

Russia's Foreign Ministry reported the following:

Moscow "inten(ds) to continue the comprehensive development of Russian-Iranian trade and economic ties and investment projects, including assistance in increasing the supply of agricultural products, which our good neighbor, which is, above all, under the pressure of illegal unilateral US sanctions, is in dire need," adding: 

"It has been noted that Russia has previously sent humanitarian aid to Iran." 

Lots more is coming from Moscow to the Islamic Republic and other countries in need — polar opposite how belligerent USA operates, a global menace to humanity even in a time of great need.

VISIT MY WEBSITE: stephenlendman.org (Home - Stephen Lendman). Contact at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html