BEIRUT,(ST)- The Russian ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Saskin has reiterated that the Russian position concerning the crisis in Syria has not changed , provides for the need the need to reach a peaceful solution on the ground of Geneva statement . He stressed that statements attributed to the special envoy of the Russian President to the Middle east and the deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov are but a media game.
In an interview with the Lebanese daily al-Deyar issued on Sunday the Russian ambassador stressed that what was quoted by news agency of “Bogdanov” statements during the meeting of the Russian social Council is piecemealed, ” stressing that Bogdanov statements are political and have nothing to do with developments on the field to that he talked about Syrian opposition sayings and the lack of any split within the Russian diplomacy.
He stressed that his country does not find another solution in Syria but the political solution , resorting to dialogue and the implementation of the Geneva statement without setting preconditions that hamper the dialogue “ we are seeking.”
He stressed that “the quest is being to secure Syria ‘s transition from violence to peace and not the transfer of power, which is an internal matter decided by the Syrians themselves ” stressing that ” despite violence in Syria , there is still a room for a peaceful solution because Russia does not see any alternative option for it , and continuing violence means sabotaging and partitioning the country”.
He also stressed that the “ Doha coalition” seeks to partition Syria, but Russia will put an end to such schemes.
On joining various factions of the Syrian opposition to the said “ coalition”, Saskin explained :” this is their problem,” adding that Russia does not support one party against another , rather deals with all parties to achieve one goal , namely to stop the violence and sit at the table of negotiations.
T. Fateh