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US calls for creating no-fly zone over Syria unacceptable

Gatilov said, “We consider statements by U.S. Senator John McCain unacceptable”

MOSCOW, February 22 (Itar-Tass) — The U.S. calls for creating a no-fly zone on Syria instigate the military scenario, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Gatilov said, “We consider statements by U.S. Senator John McCain unacceptable.”

“We hear permanent statements saying the military scenario cannot exist. But we know that such scenarios are being worked out. This fact arouses our concern,” the diplomat said.

To this end, commenting on McCain’s wording, Gatilov said, “Is there any use to consider such statements a direct encroachment and addresses to the opposition to avoid contacts with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad?”

The Russian deputy foreign minister said the United States had made public a letter by political figures who called for creating no-fly zones over Syria and humanitarian corridors. “These calls can be only interpreted as a wish to use force in order to resolve the conflict in Syria,” Gatilov added.

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