WASHINGTON, March 2 (UPI) -- A top U.S. diplomat said Wednesday Russia's role on Syria and Lebanon has not been constructive.
David Satterfield, acting assistant secretary of State for Near East Affairs, made the comment while testifying before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Foreign Assistance Programs for the Near East.
The remark came in in response to a question from Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., on Russian arms sales to Syria.
"The Russian position in the Security Council on a number of Middle East-related issues, not focused on the Middle East peace process, but rather on Syria and Lebanon, has not been constructive," he said. "This is of concern to us."
He attributed Moscow's moves to its desire to be "an independent political actor," as well as that nation's economic interests.
Last month, Russia said it was planning to sell Syrian anti-aircraft missiles. Washington says Syria supports terrorist groups in the Middle East and the missile might fall into the wrong hands.
Satterfield also said Washington had expressed its "concerns" to Moscow over a deal to provide nuclear fuel for Iran's nuclear plant at Buesher. The United States says Iran is secretly building a nuclear bomb. Tehran denies the charge.
