Washington. May 26. INTERFAX-US Defense Department Spokesman John Kirby expressed hope that all states involved in the Syrian problem will avoid actions that could lead to the destabilization of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR).
"We urge all interested parties to act in Syria in a way that does not contribute to instability, lack of security, but, on the contrary, to contribute to a peaceful political outcome (of the conflict - IF)," Kirby said at a briefing in response to a request to comment on the arrival in Syria of Russian Tu - 22m3 bombers capable of carrying anti-ship weapons.
At the same time, Kirby said: "I do not want to confirm the press reports about the armed forces of another country." This, he said, "puts him at a disadvantage."
The press secretary added: "Our attention in Syria is focused exclusively on the mission to combat ISIL (a terrorist group banned in the Russian Federation - IF). And that won't change. (...) We would like all partners, all organizations, all states (...) they were involved in a way that would lead to a peaceful outcome and a political settlement in this civil war."
On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that three Tu-22m3 long-range bombers had flown to the Russian Khmeimim air base in Syria.
"The crews of long-range bombers will acquire practical skills to practice training tasks in new geographical areas during flights in the airspace over the Mediterranean Sea," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
