WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is accusing Russia of pursuing a "morally bankrupt" policy in Syria, following the seizure by Turkey of Russian radar parts from a Syrian plane headed to Damascus.
The State Department said Friday that it had "grave concern" that Russia is continuing to supply the Syrian regime with "serious military equipment," particularly because it is a member of the U.N. Security Council with presumed responsibilities for maintaining global security.
Russia says the parts are legal and denounced Turkey's interception of the plane.
But State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the only reason the shipment was legal was because Russia, along with China, has repeatedly blocked U.N. sanctions against Syria. She said it was "legally correct but the policy is still morally bankrupt."
