MOSCOW. April 5 (Interfax) - The United States has been destabilizing the situation in Syria in order to excuse its illegal presence in Syrian territory, the interagency coordination headquarters of Russia and Syria said in a joint statement on Monday.
"It is precisely in the U.S.-held territory of northeastern Syria where the situation is rapidly deteriorating in the al-Hawl refugee camp victimized by members of the ISIL terrorist organization (banned in Russia)," the statement said.
"Under the passive eye of the U.S., militants have created a pipeline smuggling weapons, ammunition, and communications systems into the camp. Courts established by Jihadists are operating in al-Hawl. There has been a growth in murders and attempts on the lives of camp residents who do not support radical extremism. Much attention is being given to the indoctrination of minors, so that they become radicalized and join the ranks of militants," the statement said.
"The U.S. side benefits from keeping the instability in Syria as a way of excusing its illegal presence and continuing to loot natural resources that belong to the Syrian people," it said.
"This is why news agencies controlled by the United States are publishing fake reports about the situation in Syria, intimidating Syrians and hindering their return home," the statement said.
"Further U.S. presence in Syrian territory, the occupation of its lands, and the absence of any efficient steps toward resolving problems in refugee camps are exacerbating the crime situation in Syria and encouraging the resumption of terrorist activity throughout the Middle East," it said.
The document calls on the international community "to consolidate efforts in order to give real assistance to the Syrian people, to restore the Syrian economy, and to take necessary steps toward immediate lifting of the unlawful sanctions against Syria."