Russia disappointed by EU decision to lift embargo on arms supply to Syria - Ryabkov

MOSCOW, May 28 (Itar-Tass) - Russia is disappointed by the EU decision to lift the embargo on arms deliveries to Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Itar-Tass on Tuesday.

“We are disappointed by the fact that decisions that simply do not contribute to a political settlement are made, and also in spite of all the declarations made by the EU in favour of the settlement (of the crisis) based on the Geneva document and contrary to the agreement on the need to move towards calling an international conference on Syria, the embargo is lifted,” he said. “This runs counter to the policy pursued by the EU itself.”

“As is known, the EU has largely initiated, in particular, the conclusion of an international arms trade treaty, according to which, the primary responsibility in this sphere is always borne, under any circumstances, by the legitimate government of the country to which such deliveries are made,” continued the diplomat. “Now, on the eve of the opening of the international Arms Trade Treaty - on June 3, a decision running counter both to the spirit and letter of this document is made.”

“This is a demonstration of double standards and damage to the prospects for calling an international conference (on Syria),” the deputy minister stated.

The EU embargo on arms deliveries to Syria will be lifted on June 1. This is the result of a 14-hour meeting of the European Council at the level of Foreign Ministers that ended on Tuesday.