Russia can help Assad to keep in power

The Moscow from Damascus, 59 adults and 30 children. The Russia is evacuating civilians from Syria before any Allied attacks. It's a sign that, despite the opposition to military action and efforts to stop it, Moscow may have lost the match.

On Monday, the head of diplomacy reiterated the country's position and didn't hide the discontent with the United States and its allies: "officially Announced in Washington, London and Paris that have information and irrefutable evidence of the guilt of the Syrian authorities. Cannot provide evidence, but insist on saying that the red line was crossed and cannot wait any longer, "said Mr Lavrov.

So far, nothing has changed the position of Moscow, which resists for several months to preserve Syrian ally of an intervention and encourage the political solution. For Russia, an intervention without UN green light is a violation of international law.

The constants of Moscow vetoes in the Security Council, are seen as a lock for the other powers and were thwarted in various situations, notably in Kosovo and in Iraq.

Already in relation to Libya, Moscow abstained, but the way the resolution was used left a bitter taste in the mouths of Russians.

In this game, Moscow increasingly erases the image of a strong power vis-à-vis Europe and the United States. But the inflexibility is also a way to State positions.

The affinities between Russia and Syria come from the time of the cold war, when Syria was a powerful ally of Soviet diplomacy in the region.

This friendship continues to have a great importance for trade. Several Russian companies are present in Damascus. At stake is, of course, oil. But Damascus is also a frequent customer of Russian weapons, including missile defence.

The port of Tartous is the central part of the military cooperation between Moscow and Damascus. Russian-Syria strategic partnership implied the development of various structures. This is the only access point from Russia to the Mediterranean. It is also here that landing the Russian guns to Syria. Is something that Moscow does not want to lose.

The u.s. military say they are ready to attack Syria and are just awaiting the order from President Obama. At the same time, some Middle East leaders turn to Moscow. The head of Lebanese diplomacy, Adnan Mansour, who says that Russia has several options to stop a military operation in Syria. This is how, in Moscow, since the situation started.

Vyacheslav Matouzov: do not drive the American State Department nor the armed forces of the country. It would be a purely American decision. What Russia can do is assist the Syrian regular army.

The expected attacks from the four ships near the coast of Syria and Jordan and on bases in Turkey could damage the military or civilian infrastructure, but they won't solve the problem, they won't ward off the regime and President Bashar el-Assad will continue in Office.

Even today, several members of the opposition said that Syria, in case of aggression against the country, despite all the hatred that have the Bashar el-Assad, rise in defence of the regime. Syria's opposition will be divided.

euronews: If, as you say, it is impossible to stop the attacks, what have you got to lose Russia, in geopolitical terms?

Matouzov: has little to lose. It is possible that advertising takes advantage and say that Russia is a weak country and doesn't know how to defend our allies in the Middle East. I think the Americans will be no more negative consequences.

If the current regime and the current political system remain, the Americans have failed all goals, because their aim is to change the internal balance, put more weight on armed opposition groups. I don't think you're ever going to achieve this goal.

euronews: Russia, what can she win, if there is a military operation by the Americans?

Matouzov: If the Syrian regime holds out and Russia is reasonable, to not enter into direct confrontation with Britain, France and United States, I believe that the prestige and esteem of the Arab countries towards Russia can only increase.

The Russia can give technical assistance to the Syrian Government, help you stay on your feet. I think a lot will depend on the media context, as this operation and its aftermath will be described by the media.

I hope that Russia has sufficient means to explain the approach to the crisis.

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