Washington lifts economic sanctions against Syrian opposition

Washington was unable to explain what the term "liberated areas” meant and for whom these supplies of armaments will be meant. The point is that the Syrian opposition is still disunited. At the same time, it is absolutely clear that what is meant here is the "economic recognition” of the opposition groups in Syria. The political recognition of the Syrian opposition came earlier.

A decision on the partial cancellation of the economic embargo for Syria - regarding the regime of Bashar al-Assad it is still in force – is a direct answer to the latest successes of the Syrian army in ousting militant detachments from the cities in the north and in the south of the country. Damascus’ military successes are putting the opposition at a disadvantage, thus, depriving it of its trump cards in the possible talks on the Syrian settlement. Washington is well aware of that. The beginning of the open supplies of armaments to Syrian militants may come next. It is clear that under such conditions the convocation of the Geneva 2 conference, which is currently under discussion, is being called into question.

Many Russian experts say that it is rather doubtful that this conference will be successful as all those who are preparing it are pursuing various objects. Such is the opinion of the Russian politologist Nikita Zagladin, an analyst from the International Informatization Academy.

"When attempts are being made to urge the legitimate government and the opposition to start the talks, this means that de facto the opposition is regarded as a legitimate warring side. As it appears, it would be good to drop confrontation for a compromise - if any. However, the question arises whether this will bear fruit. I have serious doubts on that score."

Formally, neither Washington nor London have said they are unwilling to take part in the conference. US Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary William Hague have confirmed that they are favouring both the idea of the Geneva 2 conference and the political settlement of the conflict. After a meeting with John Kerry on June 12th, William Hague as a host for the upcoming G8 summit in Northern Ireland (June 17th to 18th ) said the Syria issue would be discussed there.

For his part, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the West is becoming more and more concerned about militants’ losing their positions, and that he is determined to reverse this situation.

Parallel with this, Obama’s national security team is holding intensive conferences, Spokesperson for the US State Department Jennifer Psaki said. The participants are working out measures which the USA may take on Syria. According to Jennifer Psaki, numerous measures are under consideration now, except sending the US soldiers to Syria.

Voice of Russia