MOSCOW. Dec 7 (Interfax) - The Pentagon's opinion that ISIL (banned in Russia) has yet to be defeated in Syria is an artificial pretext for keeping U.S. troops in Syria, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said on Wednesday.
"The allegation that ISIL has not been defeated in Syria is an artificial pretext and an excuse for the Pentagon's illegal decision to keep U.S. troops in Syria," Konashenkov said.
Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon "respectfully disagreed" with the announcement that Syrian government forces had defeated ISIL with Russia's assistance.
"Speaking of respect, we suggest that it be demonstrated primarily in regard to the sovereignty of Syria and universal norms of international law," Konashenkov said.