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Middle East and North Africa

Russia calls for doing all possible to prevent destruction of Christian shrines in Syria

Russia voices serious concern that terrorists’ sorties hit the Christian symbol in Syria - the village of Maaloula

Photo EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

Photo EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

MOSCOW, September 6 (Itar-Tass) - Russia calls for doing everything possible to prevent the destruction of Christian shrines in Syria, the Foreign Ministry said in its report.

On September 5, illegal armed units of the Syrian opposition tried to seize the Christian village of Maaloula, 60 kilometers from Damascus. The government troops rebuffed the opposition’s attack. But Jabhat al-Nusra and Al Qaeda militants succeeded in reinforcing the positions and firing at the village.

“Russia voices serious concern about the fact that terrorists’ sorties hit the Christian symbol in Syria - the village of Maaloula,” the ministry said.

“Maaloula’s residents speak the Aramaic language and the churches are one of the most ancient shrines,” the ministry said.

Russia “urges those who wants to assist to the population to do everything possible to put an end to the attacks of terrorists”, the report says.

“Russia calls for protecting Christians and all ethnic minorities, who are part of the Syrian society since the year one. Their interests should be met and observed,” the report says.

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