Syria Crisis: Russia “Sends Sophisticated Weapons”

Russia has delivered highly advanced anti-ship missiles to Syria, reports the New York Times. The BBC News points out that the news arrived the same day as a UN report said the number of refugees from Syria had passed 1.5 million mark. Following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon cautioned against a loss of momentum for holding a peace conference. Lavrov did not confirm the delivery, adding that Russia has complied with international law, and was quoted as saying a resolution could be found only through "an inclusive all-Syrian dialogue with participation of all Syrian forces, without any external intervention, as soon as possible.” In the New York Times report, editor in chief of Jane’s International Defence Review suggests the anti-ship missiles could complicate intervention plans, including naval activities or embargo. The US looks to Russia as key to ending the civil war, even as Russian ships are said to patrol near Tartus. – YaleGlobal