KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12- Malaysia hopes the Russian proposal for Syria to surrender chemical weapons stockpile under international control would be a step forward in resolving conflict in the strife-torn country.
Welcoming the initiative, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Malaysia condemned ownership and use of chemical weapons by any country as they violated international law and human rights.
“Hence, Malaysia supports the initiative and hopes the United Nations and the countries involved, including the international community, will implement the proposal soonest and effectively.
“With this positive development, Malaysia hopes the initiative can be a step forward for the international community and warring parties in Syria in their quest to search for a peaceful solution to the crisis,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Anifah said Malaysia felt that a military intervention to enforce the ban against the use of chemical weapons should be avoided as it could lead to more destruction and suffering to the people of Syria and destabilise of the region.
On Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem stated that his country welcomed the Russian proposal, which called for Syria to place its chemical weapons under international control and for the weapons to be destroyed, in the face of a potential United States air strike.
On a call to the government to sever diplomatic ties with Iran as it is a Syiah country, Anifah said the call was inappropriate and uncalled for.
He said on the contrary, Syiah was a domestic issue which should be addressed by the authorities.
He said the call made by Federal Territories mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan Teh did not reflect the government’s stand.
“It is Malaysia’s foreign policy to establish good relations with all countries based on mutual respect to foster goodwill and cooperation in all areas of interest for the benefit of both countries,” said Anifah.
He said Malaysia welcomed foreign citizens to the country but they have to respect local laws as well cultural and religious sensitivities.
– BERNAMA
