A senior Russian politician has stated that the Syrian government has not been capable of doing its job, in a sign that Russia may be trying to distance itself from its long-standing ally, reported Reuters.
The head of President Putin's party group in the State Duma lower house Vladimir Vasilyev, was quoted as saying,
"We have shared and do share the opinion that the existing government in Syria should carry out its functions. But time has shown that this task is beyond its strength,"
"We have tried to create conditions for the internal forces in Syria to be able to get the situation under control,"
"Unfortunately, by no means does our position decide everything - our influence on the Syrian leadership is very limited".
Meanwhile United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon visited a refugee camp in Turkey and called on the international community to provide more humanitarian relief for Syrian refugees. He commented,
“I appeal to the international community, do not close your eyes when people are suffering... We have to help them.”
