Although Russia seems less than clear about the Syria question, one day leaning more towards a resolution, and another day reasserting their loyalty to Assad, seem to have taken notice of the UK and France's assertions that they are ready to arm the rebels in violation of the embargo.
Although the embargo was put in place to prevent Russia and Iran from supplying fresh munition to the despot, it has become clear that the measure is being overcome by stealth as a lot of arms and men are flowing into Syria from Iran and neighboring states.
The UK and France are ready to see an end to the bloody conflict and are willing to bypass the embargo to help the rebels.
Russia however, has no intention of ignoring such an initiative. Their response has been swift and clear. The arming of the rebels would be a violation of the embargo which must be respected by all parties, Russian authorities assert.
Although the embargo was put in place to prevent arms reaching Assad, it has come at the expense of the rebels who have to be subject of the same embargo.
The Russian Foreign Minister has immediately voiced opposition to the plan. It also complained that the rebel forces have done little to try to negotiate an end to the civil war. They also refuse to consider Assad's departure as a precondition of the peace talks between rebels and other interested parties.
Russia is not making any declarations of future action, but it subtly hinting that it will take any necessary action if the situation become, as they say, 'grave'.
But their opposition is not alone. Germany has already expressed concerns that the arms supplied to the rebels through a UK-France alliance could very well end up in the hands of dangerous islamists.
Source: Alertnet 3.14.13
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