Spain as NATO member is reviewing a request by a Russian flotilla to refuel in its North African enclave of Ceuta. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain added that NATO raised concerns that the Russian warships headed for Syria could be used to target civilians in Aleppo.
Spain government decided to review te possibility of refuelling the Russian warships, which are heading to Syria through the one of Spanish enclave on the North Africa. Being a member of NATO, which is monitoring the progress of the eight-strong carrier battle group from northern Russia en route to the eastern Mediterranean, Spain tries to act in the frame of Treaty.
The NATO officials fear that Russian flotilla will launch fighter-bombers to hit northwestern Syria early in November. That may be used to contribute to the bombing of civilian targets in Aleppo and its vicinities, that’s why the issue of the refuelling of Russia in the territory of Spain is undesirable. The foreign minister added in his recent statement:
“The latest stopover requests are being reviewed at the moment based on the information we are receiving from our allies and from Russian authorities.”
The naval deployment is carrying dozens of fighter-bombers and helicopters and is expected to join around 10 other Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast, diplomats said.
Washington’s envoy to NATO said Russia was within its right to move vessels through international waters. But U.S. Ambassador Douglas Lute raised concerns that the aircraft carrier would be used to contribute to the bombing of civilian targets around Aleppo.
