Boris Johnson slams Russian and Iranian ambassadors for ‘failure to uphold humanitarian law’ over war-torn Aleppo

FOREIGN Secretary Boris Johnson has torn into the ambassadors of Russia and Iran over Syria.

He told them their countries  “failed” to uphold “humanitarian law” by not allowing aid into under-siege Aleppo.

Boris said: “I summoned the Russian and Iranian Ambassadors to the Foreign Office in order to convey in person the Government’s profound concern over the situation in Aleppo.

“Both Russia and Iran have failed to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, specifically by failing to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians during the months when eastern Aleppo was besieged.

“They deserve no credit for the fact that an evacuation appears to be underway today. Having inflicted such suffering on the people of eastern Aleppo, Iran and Russia cannot expect praise for allowing some people to escape at the final hour.

"Both countries need to ensure the UN now oversees the evacuation process and that all civilians and non-combatants are properly protected.”

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon declared: “Aleppo is a tragedy of Russia’s making.”

The Syrian city has descended into a humanitarian crisis after a brutal four year battle between rebels and Syrian regime forces, backed by Russian bombing.

Fallon launched his stinging broadside on Russia following a summit in London of the international coalition assembled to defeat Islamic State.

Speaking at the Foreign Office, Fallon also said Syrian tyrant President Assad had to step down if true peace could be achieved.
He said: “We don’t see for a future for President Assad in Syria.

“Even if he defeats the opposition in Aleppo there is no victory in bombing hospitals, in restricting humanitarian aid and ending up in a country that you only control 40 per cent of and is half destroyed with millions dispersed and hundreds of thousands killed.