News   /   Russia

Russia’s Lavrov calls for unity among Syria opposition groups

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (L) shakes hands with former Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil as he meets with representatives of the Syrian opposition in Moscow on August 31, 2015. (AFP photo)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged more unity among Syria opposition groups in their negotiations with the government in Damascus.

“One of the further preconditions on this path is the unification of Syria’s opposition on a constructive platform for a dialogue with the government,” Lavrov said in a meeting with representatives of the Syrian opposition in Moscow on Monday.

The top Russian diplomat said that Russia firmly supports Syria’s sovereignty and unity and believes in the Syrian people’s ability to decide their fate and to solve problems which their country is facing.  

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (3rdL) meets with representatives of the Syrian opposition in Moscow on August 31, 2015. (AFP Photo)

 

Lavrov also called for the implementation of the Geneva communiqué, a roadmap adopted back in 2012 to end the conflict in Syria.

He once more highlighted the significance of Russia’s ongoing mediation efforts to reach a political solution in Syria, saying the process could finally result in a solution to the crisis.  

“It is not the first time when we meet. The visits of Syria’s delegations have already become a tradition. This is not just a process, these are our efforts on ending the bloodshed in Syria and restoring peace and security,” Lavrov said.

The comments by Lavrov come against the backdrop of an initiative by Russian President Vladimir Putin who urged recently that any attempt to resolve the conflict in Syria should be coupled with a parallel consideration of fight against terrorism and the implementation of the Geneva communiqué.

Since the conflict began in Syria over four years ago, Russia has consistently opposed the idea of military intervention in the Arab country, as proposed by some governments in the Middle East and the West.  Moscow has also mediated several rounds of negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition. The most recent talks came in April in which parties involved called for an inclusive all-Syrian dialog to find a permanent political solution to the crisis. 


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku