Western countries veto Russian proposal to include Kurds

Western countries veto Russian proposal to include Kurds

He said that Western countries vetoed the proposal, RT is reporting on Wednesday.

Churkin believes that this will adversely affect the peace process and the international commitment to stop the war in Syria.

“We are concerned that the Syrian Kurds, historically woven into the social fabric of the country, still have not been invited to the Geneva talks,” he said, "pointing out that by not inviting the Kurds, the West is violating the spirit of inclusiveness for the Syrian talks in the UN Security Council resolutions on Syria."

Churkin also criticized non-permanent Council member Ukraine, saying its opposition to the Russian draft "added its destructive share” to the decision.

UN envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura last month asked that Syrian Kurds be included in negotiations, warning that partitioning Syria into smaller states would be "unsustainable."

"Syrian Kurds are an important part of the country, we need to find a formula that would give them the opportunity to participate in reaching peace. I think that no one in Syria, whoever they are, would be against it," said Mistura.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier this week asked for involvement in negotiations of all parties and warring sides.

"Naturally, as in all conflicts, it is essential that there is dialogue between the different sides," said the top Russian diplomat.