Only aviation support will be provided to regular Syrian army (Federation Council speaker)

Russia will only provide aviation support to the regular Syrian army, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said on Wednesday commenting on the decision to grant permission to the president to use Russian Armed Forces abroad.


"I will stress it — we are talking only about providing aviation support to the actions of the regular Syrian army. We are not talking about participating in the ground operation," she added. Matviyenko explained that the Syrian army can be effective "only if it has air support."

The speaker said that the Federation Council received a request of "legitimate Syrian authorities" in full compliance with international law. Earlier today, the Federation Council has unanimously granted permission to the Russian president to use the nation’s military force in Syria, Kremlin chief of staff Sergey Ivanov told journalists.

 "The Federation Council unanimously supported the president’s request — 162 votes in favor [of granting permission]," Ivanov said. Russia will use only its Air Force in Syria against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group upon the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Ivanov said, stressing that no ground troops will be sent.
[tass.ru]
30/9/15
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Related:

• Russian Parliament Approves Use of Military Force in Syria