(Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP, File) (Associated Press)UNITED NATIONS — Russia blocked the U.N. Security Council on Monday from issuing a statement sounding alarm about the increasing fighting in and around Syria’s Idlib province and the possibility of a humanitarian disaster, a council diplomat said. But key Syrian ally Russia objected Monday to the proposed statement, said a diplomat, who agreed to tell about the private discussions only if not quoted by name. Russia’s U.N. mission didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry about the proposed statement. Russia and Syria, which is not a council member, say Damascus is doing what is needed to fight terrorists. Four council members — Russia, China, South Africa and Indonesia — didn’t join in supporting that statement.

Source: Washington Post June 04, 2019 04:06 UTC