Russia calls on world powers to arm Syrian military
Source: The Guardian
Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says president Bashar al-Assads forces are most efficient force against Islamic State
Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, has called on world powers to help arm the Syrian army, saying it was the most efficient force against Islamic State.
The US and Nato have raised concerns over Russias military buildup in Syria since they see the president, Bashar al-Assad, as the cause of the Syrian crisis, which has claimed more than 250,000 lives over four years. Moscow, meanwhile, has sought to cast arms supplies to Assads government as part of international efforts to combat Isis militants.
The increased Russian activity reflects Moscows concern that its longtime ally is on the brink of collapse, as well as hopes by the president, Vladimir Putin, that a common battle against Isis can improve Russias ties with the west, which have been strained over Ukraine.
Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/12/russia-calls-on-world-powers-to-arm-syrian-army