Report: bishop praises Russian intervention in Syria

February 19, 2016

Sputnik, a news agency owned by the Russian government, reported that a bishop in Syria’s largest city has praised Russian intervention in Syria as “a good thing.”

According to Sputnik, Bishop Georges Abou Khazen, the apostolic vicar for Aleppo’s Latin-rite Catholics, told RT, a television news channel owned by the Russian government, that “the important thing is that this military operation is conducted along with attempts to stimulate the peace process.”

“Syrians react positively towards this operation,” he added. “Like I said before, Russia’s activity isn't just limited to military action alone. Russia does a good thing by stimulating the negotiations and inter-Syrian dialogue, and we hope that this process succeeds.”

Bishop Khazen’s reported remarks are consistent with his earlier comments, reported by Vatican Radio, in which he lamented the killing of civilians by “moderate” Syrian rebels and said that Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, are liberating parts of Aleppo.

 

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Further information:

• Praying for Peace: Russian Campaign Offers Best Chance to Save Syria (Sputnik)
• Aleppo bishop says ‘moderate’ Syrian rebels are killing civilians (CWN, 2/18)