Russia rebuffs UK
Following a statement from UK Defence Minister Fallon, Russia defends its action in Syria.
Before launching into incoherent conjecture about Russia’s supposed responsibility for the situation in Aleppo in particular, and Syria in general, it is necessary to think – what has the UK contributed to this poor country? Where was the UK when ISIS nearly reached the Mediterranean coast, almost turning Syria into a terrorist caliphate, like Libya. After all, it was you who controlled the skies at the time. We delivered over 1000 liberated settlements, thousands of tons of humanitarian aid, and thousands of square kilometers freed from ISIS’ hold, to which peaceful life has returned. How many settlements have been liberated, how much humanitarian aid delivered, and how many square feet have been cleared of ISIS by the UK?
Russia to open Syrian naval base
Russia says it will create a permanent naval base in Syria to help their ally. Russia already has an active air base in Syria which was effectively being used in the current conflict. Spokesperson:
By doing this Russia is not only increasing its military potential in Syria but in the entire Middle East. The necessary papers are ready and are in the process of being approved by different agencies. We hope we can ask you to ratify these documents soon.
Postpones Paris visit
After Hollande cancels a meeting with Putin, the Russian president cancels his visit to Paris, where he was to inaugurate a new Russian Orthodox cathedral and visit a Russian art exhibition on Oct. 19. Hollande:
I made it known to Mr Putin that if he came to Paris, I would not accompany him to any ceremonies, but that I was ready to continue the dialogue on Syria. He decided to postpone the visit…With Russia, France has a major disagreement on Syria and the Russian veto of the French resolution at the U.N. Security Council has prevented the cessation of bombings and enablement of a truce. I’m ready to meet President Putin if we can advance peace, end the bombings and announce a truce.
British forces may join coalition
Conservative MP Mitchell, who will lead an emergency Commons debate on the situation in Syria, says British forces may join an international coalition that will defend Aleppo against alleged war crimes by Russian air strikes.
What we are saying is very clear. No one wants to see a firefight with Russia, no one wants to shoot down a Russian plane. But what we do say is that the international community has an avowed responsibility to protect and that protection must be exerted. If that means confronting Russian airpower defensively, on behalf of the innocent people on the ground who we are trying to protect, then we should do that…It’s not a declaration of war against Russia but it is an absolute declaration that we will seek to protect the innocent victims of these war crimes. I think that Britain should explore with its allies how it would enforce a no-fly zone. It is clearly not something we can do on our own but as part of a coalition of the willing to confront this appalling catastrophe we should certainly be willing to explore that and implement it if we are able to do so.
Accuses Russia of war crimes
President Hollande accuses Russia of war crimes in Syria, and says he wants to sue the country in International Criminal Court for their role in alleged war crimes over the Syrian city of Aleppo. Hollande also says he may not receive the Russian president who is scheduled to visit Paris, late this month, for a church opening ceremony.
I have asked myself that question: Is it useful? Is it necessary? Could we do something that pushes him as well and stop what they’re doing with the Syrian regime — that is to say the help they are providing to the Syrian regime, which sends bombs to the population of Aleppo? If I receive him, I would tell him that it is unacceptable, that it is bad even for the image of Russia. What I tell them, is that these populations are populations that are today victims of war crimes and those who commit those acts will have to pay for their responsibility in front of the International Criminal Court.
Balochistan freedom protest
A large gathering of Balochistan nationalists in the Provincial capital Quetta in Pakistan demands cessation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, which locals feel is a further exploitation by the two countries. Protesters burned Pakistan and Chinese flags, and protested alleged war atrocities and genocide. Protestor:
The protest demonstration was taken out by the FreeBalochistan Movement (FBM) to expose before the world the plunder of their natural resources by Pakistan and China in the name of CPEC and human rights violations byPakistan in Balochistan. Baloch people, women, students and youth, who gathered here, condemn the alliance partners of Pakistan, who are supporting it in the name of military and economy. In the name of development, Pakistani military and Pakistan’s alliance partners are plundering Balochistan’s resources and are trying to dismantle Balochistan’s identity. Everyday the people are being killed in Balochistan, we are also protesting against that.
Russia vetos Aleppo resolution
A French-backed UN resolution to maintain peace in Aleppo, aimed at protecting the lives of more than 250,000 trapped civilians receives 11 votes in favor, but despite crossing the minimum number of votes, Russia uses its veto power to halt the resolution. It is the fifth time Russia vetoes such a resolution on the five-year -long conflict. A Russian backed Resolution [when] received only four votes in favor which is not enough for the resolution to pass.
Air strike kills 82, injures 534
A military coalition air strike led by Saudi Arabia hits a mourning party gathered in Sanaa, Yemen, killing 82 civilians and injuring 534. The attack is one of a series of attacks to support Yemen President Hadi against the armed religio-political rebel groups Houthis. The Houthis administration condemns the attack. However, Saudi air forces deny any such attack happened.