Minister Lavrov: Syrians have to decide their own future

MOSCOW, (ST)_ Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, reiterated here Saturday that the settlement for the crisis in Syria “should be based on the relevant Geneva communiqué calling for the end of violence and dialogue between all.

The Voice of Russia quoted Minister Lavrov as saying, following his talks with the UN Envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, that Russia is open for contacts to all Syrian groups in order to reach a settlement.

The situation in Syria remains quite involved, with confrontation growing, and the civilian death toll also steadily on the increase, Lavrov said, urging the world community to help bring UN monitors back to Syria, calling for the inclusion of Iran and Saudi Arabia in the ongoing efforts for solving the crisis.

“The chance for a political settlement remains and it is our obligation to make maximal use of that chance,” Lavrov said, asserting that Regime change in Syria “must not be a precondition for a political process”, describing such demands as “wrong” and “counterproductive”.

Minister Lavrov added that the refusal of the Syrian opposition National Coalition to talk to the Syrian leadership was a “dead-end position”, and criticized the coalition leader for rebuffing an invitation for talks with Russia.

“Frankly speaking, it was quite a surprise to me to read his statement that he was willing to meet with me only if we change our position and if we apologize for our position publicly,” Lavrov added according to RIA News Agency, pointing out that the problem of regional stability must be paramount to resolve the ongoing conflict.

On his Part, Brahimi was quoted as saying that a Syrian-led political process is the only way for peace in Syria otherwise the country will descend into dire sectarian conflict.

Lavrov seconded Brahimi’s statement, saying that there are still chances for political dialogue and it is the Syrians who have to decide their own future, as well as the future of certain politicians.

“When the National Coalition was formed we drew attention to the fact that it was stated in their platform that their position is uncompromising, their goal is the overthrow of the regime,” Lavrov said.

Brahimi also stressed the importance of the agreements reached in Geneva in June, calling it a great achievement of Kofi Annan, Sergey Lavrov, Hilary Clinton and many others.

“If the only alternative is hell or a political process, then all of us have to work continuously toward the political process,” Brahimi said, pointing out that it was still possible to reach “a solution that would work” but that the barriers were daunting.

“if you have a panic in Damascus and if you have 1 million people leaving Damascus in a panic, they can go to only two places – Lebanon and Jordan. Neither Lebanon or Jordan can support without breaking 500,000 refugees.” Brahimi underscored.

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