“Friends of Syria” Meeting , disappointing- Moscow

MOSCOW, (ST) _The Russian Foreign Ministry described the statement of Amman meeting of the so-called “Friends of Syria” as disappointing , stressing  that the implementation of the US-Russian initiative to hold an international conference on Syria constitutes a realistic chance to stop violence .

In a press conference today , Spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry  Alexander Lukashević  explained  that Russia has  recently made great  efforts to implement the Russian- American  initiative to convene an international conference on finding a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria, noting that contacts  conducted by his country in this regard include the  Syrian government  and various representatives of the Syrian opposition, for providing this opportunity a success.

The  Russian spokesman indicated the meetings  and discussions conducted by his country with Western partners, especially with the parties that contribute to overcome the crisis in Syria , expressing  regret for existing difficulties.

” Unfortunately, despite our calls to a number of partners and the  UN General Assembly after the launch of the Russian –American initiative , a unilateral  decision  was taken on Syria , contrary to the consensus of finding a  political settlement for the crisis , warning  of similar efforts currently made to  take a non constructive decision during the 23rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. ” the Russian spokesman explained.

In this  regard , he criticized the  attempt to block the implementation of the Russian-American understandings about Syria and put narrow political interests above the primary objective to stop violence and ensure the success of political and diplomatic efforts of the international community to start Syrian  internal dialogue. 

He noted Syrian government assurances to participate in  Geneva 2  conference

“We note with satisfaction  Damascus  assertions on the readiness of the  Syrian government to participate in the international conference, in principle, so as  the Syrians themselves can find a political solution to settle the  destructive dispute  for the country and the region, “he emphasized.

He stressed that the Syrian opposition should not miss the opportunity to hold the international conference to stop violence, stressing that the embodiment of the  initiative Russian-American is a real opportunity to stop  bloodshed  and suffering of the Syrians and ensures a peaceful democratic  future for Syria on the basis of Geneva statement of June 30, 2012 .

T. Fateh