30 Aug 2018 12:02

Possible strike on Syria is like playing with fire, consequences unpredictable - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Aug 30 (Interfax) - The strike that Western countries may deliver on Syria after a probable chemical-arms provocation will have unpredictable consequences, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing on Thursday.

"It would deal a heavy blow to the Syria settlement process and global security. It is impossible to predict consequences of playing with fire," Zakharova said in her comments on preparations for staging a chemical attack in Syria and a possible strike on Syria by the West.

The United States and its Western allies "are again threatening Syria with an armed aggression," Zakharova said. "They are doing that without a trace of embracement, without trying to be civilized or cushioning the situation; same old patterns are being applied," she said.

"Everything starts with warnings by officials, who allege that the Bashar al-Assad regime could use chemical weapons and say that must be prevented. A chemical provocation follows: toxic agents are actually used, or a chemical attack is simulated," Zakharova said.

"The final stage is a bombardment and a missile strike on Syrian military and other targets. This process has already begun. The whole thing will be colorfully orchestrated in the media," Zakharova said.