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BEIJING, Oct.7 (Xinhuanet) -- NATO says that Russia's military operation in Syria is a "strategic mistake". With fundamental differences on how to approach the Syrian crisis, both Moscow and NATO exchanged strong-worded rhetoric on Tuesday.
Russia is rejecting U.S. criticism that its airstrikes in Syria are aimed at propping up President Bashar al-Assad and targeting opposition groups. The Kremlin is adamant its primary goal it to help Assad fight ISIL militants.
In an emotional address, Russia's Foreign Ministry reminded Washington how it supported the U.S. in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
"And when the United States announced a fight saying that it's a challenge to national security, we supported the United States in everything, in the U.N. Security Council. We provided them with our help to fight terrorism. We didn't ask 'are they bad terrorists or not so bad," said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman of Russian Foreign Ministry.
Moscow says that a Western information war is underway aimed at distorting the purpose of its operation in Syria. The Kremlin admits that its planes violated Turkey's airspace but says it was an accident.
The Turkish President said on Tuesday he was losing patience with Russian violations of his country's airspace. Such strong words are only likely to fuel tensions that are flying high between Russia and NATO.
To calm nerves, Moscow tried to play it down and Russia's Deputy Defense Minister said that Moscow would welcome a Turkish defense ministry delegation to discuss avoiding any "misunderstandings" in Syria.
"Yes, we do differ on the situation in Syria. Yes, we do differ on what strategy should be adopted to fight ISIS. But at the same time we really have an all-weather partnership which is based on solid economic and trade foundation," said political analyst Sergey Strokan.
Russia began its airstrikes in Syria last Wednesday. It insists it has the same enemy with the U.S. - ISIL militants who have proclaimed an Islamic state across eastern Syria and northern Iraq.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
