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Middle East and North Africa

Russia worried about Syrian refugees forced to flee violence

The attention of the international community is riveted to the north-eastern districts of Syria populated mainly by Kurds

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, August 20 (Itar-Tass) - The Russian Foreign Ministry voiced serious concern about Syrian refugees who have to leave their homes because of the violence that has swept the country.

“Russia pays much attention to helping all affected Syrian citizens, including refugees in neighboring countries. We do not divide those affected by ethnic or religious affiliation. Our aid goes to all without exception,” the ministry said on Tuesday, August 20.

About 1.7 million Syrians have fled their country up to date, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. “They have to look for shelter in neighbouring countries, fleeing rampant violence committed by extremists and the distressful situation caused by the economic collapse and unilateral sanctions imposed upon Syria by the United States and the European Union,” the ministry said.

“The attention of the international community is riveted to the north-eastern districts of Syria populated mainly by Kurds from where the flow of refugees is heading to Iraqi Kurdistan. Thousands of people, including many women and children, are abandoning their homes, fleeing the atrocities of militants from the terrorist groups Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,” the ministry said.

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Dmitry Peskov noted that, "according to some parameters, companies in Europe and other regions can hardly maintain their competitiveness if they completely abandon our products"

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Wang Yi also called for "resolutely opposing attempts to take advantage of the chaos and add fuel to the fire"

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Serial production of missiles for S-500 air defense systems begins in Russia — source

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US government prepares to sign $6-bln contract for arms deliveries to Ukraine — Politico

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