US Journalist: Syrian truce just a show-piece

An American investigative journalist and member of the Syria Solidarity Movement rejected the draft truce resolution tabled by some members of the UN Security Council, saying truce in Syria is a show-piece.


“The resolution was put forward by Kuwait and Sweden, backed by the US, UK and France. Unfortunately I believe the resolution was a show-piece, pretending to seek peace but actually intending to prolong the war, Rick Sterling said in an exclusive interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) commenting on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta.

“The Syrian government has proposed a ceasefire time, trying to stop the armed conflict. In some areas of the country that has been successful. But in East Ghouta the so called 'rebels' have never stopped launching indiscriminate mortars and shell cannon missiles into greater Damascus for the past 7 years. When the armed opposition stops indiscriminate attacks into Damascus, there can be a ceasefire for 30 days and much longer,” he added.

“But currently the terrorists in East Ghouta persist in attacking heavily populated Damascus with dozens of mortars and shell cannon missiles daily. They have been doing this for seven years! I personally saw the effects in April 2014 when a mortar landed on the street right in front of our hotel. Several people were killed,” Sterling noted.

He went on to say that since the armed groups will not stop, the Syrian government has finally determined to remove the terrorists. That is what is going on. Countries which have supported the campaign to overthrow the Syrian government are trying to block the Syrian government from finally removing the terrorists on the outskirts of Damascus.

Elaborating on the reason why the militant groups prevented the evacuation of civilians from Eastern Ghouta, he said, “It's a good idea to have a safe passage. But the armed groups don't like that because they need to keep some civilians to protect themselves.”

“Most of the civilians left East Ghouta years ago. Some are trapped there, some are prisoners there and a very small number support the armed groups or are family members. Recall that the terrorists receive salaries ... some are extremist sectarian and others are simply mercenaries,” American journalist said.
 [irna.ir]
 24/2/18
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