Russia criticizes Egypt over plans to cut ties with Syria

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi

Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:28PM GMT

Russia criticizes Egypt over plans to cut ties with Syria

Syria has condemned Egypt’s move, saying the Egyptian government has joined the Israeli-US club, which is conspiring against the government of President Bashar al-Assad."

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has criticized the Egyptian government over its new decision to cut off diplomatic relations with Syria.

“This quite unexpected decision of the Egyptian leadership would unlikely demonstrate Egypt's positive role in the regional efforts to settle the Syrian problem,” Alexander Lukashevich told reporters on Monday.
Lukashevich denounced Egypt’s decision as a strange move.
The Russian top diplomat noted that Moscow awaits clarifications from Cairo over the decision.
Addressing a public rally in Cairo on Saturday, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi announced, "We decided today to entirely break off relations with Syria and with the current Syrian” government.
He said that his government would close the Syrian Embassy in Cairo, adding that it would also recall the Egyptian charge d'affaires from Damascus.
Syria has condemned Egypt’s move, saying the Egyptian government has joined the Israeli-US club, which is conspiring against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Earlier on Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned against any effort by the United States and its allies to impose a no-fly zone over Syria, saying the move would be a ‘violation of international law.’
Western media have reported that US F-16 warplanes and Patriot anti-aircraft missiles in Jordan might be used in creating a no-fly zone over Syria.
The turmoil in Syria erupted in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed so far.
In May, Assad said militants from as many as 29 different countries are fighting against the government in different parts of the country.
ASH/SS