Lavrov: US Seeks to Establish ‘Quasi-State’ in Syria

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the US is seeking to establish a “quasi-state” East of the Euphrates River in Syria.

“On Syrian territory there are vast lands East of the Euphrates River where absolutely unacceptable things are taking place. The US is trying to use these lands through their Syrian allies – above all, through the Kurds – in order to establish a quasi-state there,” said Lavrov during an interview for RT France, Paris Match and Le Figaro in Moscow.

“The US is by all means illegally seeking to establish a quasi-state on this territory, trying to do everything there to create the conditions for a normal way of living for their subordinates, creating a structure of authority which is an alternative to the legitimate [structure] of the Syrian Arabic Republic and actively assisting in the return of refugees and their settlement there,” he added.

“In that region the US is as a rule trying to keep the situation in a heated condition in order that everybody is on the edge. And in such muddy waters, it is much easier for them to catch the fish they want,” said Lavrov.