Russian diplomat compares Saudi-backed Syria opposition to Al-Qaeda and bin Laden

Russian Politics & Diplomacy February 17, 2016, 15:13

According to Maria Zakharova, bin Laden was referred to as a representative of the Taliban that was "fighting for the future of his country"

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. The actions of the group of Syrian opposition formed in Riyadh and supported by several countries from International Syria Support Group led to the disruption of negotiations in Geneva, Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson Maria Zakharova told RT TV channel on Wednesday.

"Our colleagues, many countries - including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and others - were responsible for the so-called ‘Riyadh group’ of opposition. Remember how much effort it took to make them come. Not to start dialogue, just to come. This is largely the same opposition that is supported by these countries, and they are not even able to influence them. Remember how talks ended. The ended when the ‘Riyadh group’ refused to continue and left," Zakharova said.

She noted that "whims of the ‘Riyadh group’ are dangerous and can lead to serious consequences."

"We remember a very similar picture with Al-Qaeda and bin Laden, for example… He was created by the United States, it was their project. They talked about him saying he was a representative of the Taliban that was fighting for the future of his country. This ‘fighter for the future of his country’ then sent planes to New York to kill American citizens," the diplomat added.

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