USA l "Russia will encourage the Syrian regime by selling new missiles"

United States Friday criticized Russia for sending missiles to the Syrian Government, after plans to organize a peace conference sponsored by Washington and Moscow are adversely affected by diplomatic friction around the goal and scope of the event. The highest military officer rank of the United States, Gen. Martin Dempsey , described the recent delivery of Russian missiles to the Government of Al Assad as "untimely and very unfortunate" and said it risked prolonging a war that has left at least 80,000 dead and 1.5 million displaced, according to UN. While not directly respond to claims that U.S. had sent missiles Yakhont , a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin said that Russia  would honor the weapons supply contracts with Syria , which has been a client of the arsenal of Moscow since the Cold War . "It's at least an unfortunate decision that will encourage the regime and prolong the suffering", said Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters. With a range of 300 kilometers, the missile Yakhont could be a threat to warships in the Mediterranean if, for example, the Western powers put aside their deep reluctance and intervene to provide air support to the Syrian rebels, as did in Libya  two years ago. So far no date has been agreed for the international peace meeting face increasing obstacles appear. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, met with Putin in Russia on Friday said that the conference should take place as soon possible. But a fact that highlights the diplomatic challenge it represents, France said on Friday that he would oppose any meeting if Iran's regional ally Assad , receives an invitation, contrary to Russia's position that Tehran should be part of any peaceful solution. Rebel leaders will meet with its Western allies and Arab in Amman on Wednesday to discuss how to address the conference.