You're reading: Russia’s Lavrov calls ‘unacceptable’ no-fly zone over Syria

The formation of a no-fly zone over Syria would be a violation of the UN Charter, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov believes.

“I have heard the comments of U.S. military representatives. It is
not the first time when the concept of security zones and no-fly zones
is mentioned. If these zones are going to cover the territory of the
Syrian state, this will constitute a violation of its sovereignty and of
the U.N. Charter,” he said in an interview with Sky News Arabia.

Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton said on Aug. 11 that Washington and Turkey were looking
at all measures to help Syrian rebels fighting to overthrow
President Bashar al-Assad, including a no-fly zone.

Lavrov said there exist special mechanisms and instruments for easing
the position of refugees and displaced persons. “UN Under-Secretary
General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos has been in Damascus and
other parts of Syria these days. There is the consent of the Syrian
government to resolve these issues,” he said.

He added that there is the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
that is ready to help those who are staying at camps in Turkey, Jordan
and other countries.

“The problems of the security of civilians should be tackled through
these methods tested by international humanitarian law. If attempts are
made to create no-fly zones and security zones for military purposes on
the pretext of the humanitarian crisis, this is unacceptable,” Lavrov
said. 

No-fly zones imposed by NATO and Arab allies helped Libyan
rebels overthrow Muammar Gaddafi last year.