Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says that the White House could be worried about potential leaks about a fake chemical attack in Syria
This post first appeared on Russia Insider
Russia believes that a provocation involving a fake chemical attack is being prepared in Syria - and that the attack will be used as an excuse by the United States to escalate the conflict.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a press briefing in Moscow that Russia believes that a provocation is being prepare in the Syrian town of Saraqeb or Ariha.
Zakharova also described a recent White House statement warning of a potential chemical attack in Syria as a possible face-saving action or an attempt to prevent possible leaks about the plan:
Question: When a chemical provocation was staged at Khan Sheikhoun, the White House put the blame on the Syrian government and punished it. Now we hear that they are talking about a future punishment for a future provocation. Do you think we could see a repetition of the Iraqi scenario and Colin Powell’s actions?
Maria Zakharova: Do you know why they are talking of a “potential” attack? Because they know from what is happening at CNN that there could be leaks about the planned attack. This could be a face-saving action, but this could also be an attempt to prevent a scandal, because those who are preparing these scenarios may refuse to do this and decide to tell them the truth. Some journalists are now telling the truth about the preparation of fake material about Russia. Likewise, we may hear numerous – yes, this is quite possible – testimonies about the preparation of provocations, including in Syria. The tactic of warning about a potential threat could be used to prevent possible leaks from those who are involved in these preparations. This is a Mexican standoff.
July is going to be a very long month.
This post first appeared on Russia Insider
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