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US reluctant to resolve Rukban issue, says Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya pointed out at a UN Security Council meeting on Syria that a poll among the Rukban residents showed that the most wanted to leave the camp

UNITED NATIONS, March 27. /TASS/. Washington is reluctant to resolve the Rukban refugee camp issue, seeking to maintain its illegal military presence in Syria, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at a UN Security Council meeting on Syria on Wednesday.

According to him, the situation in southern Syria remained difficult "for our American colleagues are reluctant to help resolve the Rukban issue, driven by the need to maintain their illegal military presence."

Nebenzya pointed out that a poll among Rukban residents showed that most of them wanted to leave the camp. "Nevertheless, they can’t do so, they are being denied the chance to leave," he said.

The Russian envoy once again called on Washington "to stop playing games with militants who, just like the White Helmets, easily change loyalties and turn into terrorists." He confirmed Russia’s readiness to work together with all parties, including the United States and the United Nations to help the camp’s residents.

Rukban camp

The Rukban refugee camp is located in the Al-Tanf security zone, where a US military base is stationed. Entrances to the zone are controlled by opposition militants. According to the World Health Organization, the camp currently hosts about 40,000 refugees, mostly women and children.

On March 5, the Russian Defense Ministry said that a cemetery with 300 fresh graves had been found near the camp. According to the ministry, the cemetery can be seen on satellite photos.

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