Russian official: Moscow won't stop arms sales to Syria

CTV麻豆影视

Russian official: Moscow won't stop arms sales to Syria

The Associated Press Published Thursday, February 2, 2012 7:13AM EST Last Updated Saturday, May 19, 2012 7:20AM EDT

The United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on the situation in Syria at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. (AP / Mary Altaffer)

Text:

BEIRUT - Russia's deputy defence minister says Moscow will not stop arms sales to Syria.

Russian state news agencies quoted Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov on Thursday as saying Russia is not violating any international obligations.

Moscow has stood by Syria, its long-standing ally, as the country tries to crush a 10-month-old uprising against President Bashar Assad. The UN estimates that more than 5,400 people have been killed the government crackdown.

UN ambassadors this week are trying to overcome Russia's opposition to a draft resolution calling for Assad to surrender power. Moscow says it would veto the draft because it believes it opens the way for eventual international military action.