Lavrov: Russia Supports any Decision Made by Syrians Themselves

Thursday, 23 August 2012

Lavrov: Russia Supports any Decision Made by Syrians Themselves

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated on Tuesday his country's readiness to support any decision that will be taken by the Syrian people in the framework of a national comprehensive dialogue.

"The international community with all its members, particularly those who have direct influence on the situation in Syria, should help the Syrian sides reach dialogue and national reconciliation as this is the only way to stop violence and bloodshed," Lavrov told SANA correspondent in Moscow following the meeting with the Syrian delegation.

The Russian FM further described the talks with Jamil and Haidar as very useful, saying "undoubtedly, the general approach taken by the Syrian leadership was the only correct approach in spite of some delay in work and a number of mistakes."

Lavrov added that his talks with the Syrian delegation dealt with the tangible issues of contacts between the Syrian government, the National Reconciliation Ministry from one side and the opposition from the other, particularly the latest initiative proposed by "the National Coordination Board."
"We saw that our Syrian friends, the representatives of the government, were ready for that as the initiative is called to put an end to the violence and bloodshed from whatever source it was, later comes the issues of detainees, refugees and the humanitarian aid as well as the immediate start of dialogue between the government and the Syrian opposition groups," Lavrov said.

FM Lavrov stressed however that implementing Geneva agreement is the only way to settle the crisis in Syria.

He added that this requires a political will on the part of the Syrian government and the parties of the opposition without exception.

"Of course, if this was related to the economy or the humanitarian situation, then all of this has to do with the necessity of implementing the agreements reached and which were agreed on by the Syrian government on June 30 regarding halting the acts of violence and entering into dialogue with the opposition's groups about the details of the transitional stage," said Lavrov.