14 Sep 2015 20:00

Reports of Russian military presence in Syria untrue - Syrian ambassador

MOSCOW. Sept 14 (Interfax) - The reports that Russian troops are in Syria are a lie, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad has said.

"With regard to the Russian military presence on Syrian territory, this is a lie spread by western countries, the United States of America. We think a new conspiracy is now in the making against our country under the pretext of Russian troops ostensibly infiltrating our territory," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television.

At the same time, he said that the two countries maintain defense cooperation under international law and bilateral agreements.

"Yes, we are receiving weapons and other equipment, all this is being done in accordance with our agreements and international law," he said.