Disinfo: EU extension of the illegal coercive measures against Syria is unjust

Summary

The unjust decision of the European Union to extend the illegal coercive measures targeting the Center for Scientific Studies and Research and some of its employees comes in the context of the systematic targeting of Syria, and it lacks the slightest degree of objectivity and credibility, especially after the lies launched by countries hostile to Syria, and their continuous attempts to politicise the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the belligerent intentions of the European Union while attacking the independence and integrity of the OPCW in regards to the Syrian war.

Th EU sanctions referred to are the sanctions against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons that have been extended for one year by the Council of the EU on 11 October 2021. EU sanctions comply with all obligations under international law, in particular, international refugee law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law. The EU sanctions in place in Syria have been imposed since 9 May 2011 to respond to the repression perpetrated on the Syrian people by the Syrian regime and its supporters. EU sanctions against the regime were extended in May 2021 for one year, and they are part of the EU’s wider approach to the Syria crisis, as outlined in the EU strategy on Syria.

On the other hand, the OPCW is an independent inter-governmental organisation, of which Russia is a member. An investigation mechanism set up by the OPCW has twice blamed Syrian government forces for chemical attacks. On 12 April 2021, it said it found “reasonable grounds to believe” that a Syrian air force military helicopter dropped a chlorine cylinder on a Syrian town in 2018.

Read more disinformation cases alleging that sanctions on Syria are illegal and aim to destroy the country; or that the OPCW has become a tool for the US and its Western allies; or that it is controlled by American; or that OPCW produces predefined reports; or that Syria is being accused of something they no longer possess the tools for.

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  • Reported in: Issue 263
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12/10/2021
  • Article language(s) Arabic
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Syria, EU
  • Keywords: Syrian War, Chemical weapons/attack, Sanctions, International Law, OPCW
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Disinfo: Ukraine is under direct foreign control

The current government in Ukraine is under direct foreign control and there is no reason for Russia to try and find a common ground for better relations between the two countries. Ukrainian leaders are totally dependent on Washington and their country relies on cash infusions from the United States and the European Union.

Disproof

A recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Ukraine being under alleged "external control".

Ukraine is an internationally recognised sovereign state with its own constitution, democratically elected parliament and president. Pro-Kremlin outlets often cast doubt on Ukrainian statehood and claim that Ukraine either does not exist as a state or is going to tumble down very soon.

Disinfo: Polish politicians use the imaginary Russian threat to appeal for national unity

The discussions of the Polish politicians are filled with phobias and warnings against imaginary dangers. Most of them are connected to such unrealistic issues as allegedly aggressive plans of the neighbours against Poland (primarily, the largest neighbour in the east). The sense of danger is supposed to justify appeals for national unity and to shut the mouths of all those who pay attention to real problems. The “war is going on”, so it is needed to have a cross-party unity.

Disproof

This message is a part of the Kremlin’s widespread narrative about Russophobic and anti-Russian Poland. The Kremlin-controlled outlets regularly accuse the Polish authorities of Russophobia and inspiration of the anti-Russian sentiments in order to reach particular domestic goals.

The Polish authorities perceive Russia as a security threat because of the aggressive Russian actions in particular on Crimea, Donbas and Eastern Europe.

Disinfo: US wants to turn Ukraine into ‘anti-Russia’

The US does not need anything from Ukraine but one thing – opposing and restraining Russia and creating an anti-Russia country.

Disproof

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, claiming that the West is using Ukraine as a springboard for aggression against Russia.

Ukraine, as a sovereign state, determines her foreign policy orientation. Kyiv’s cooperation with NATO has intensified since the illegal annexation of Crimea and outbreak of Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014. The United States and Turkey supply it with weapons and military equipment (read here and here). Ukraine takes part in joint military exercises with NATO troops such as Sea Breeze, Rapid Trident and other war games. However, all these activities are not Russophobic. They are only defensive and aim at repelling a possible Russian attack.