Chance for peace in Syria shouldn’t be missed – Lavrov

 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says that “he has a feeling that the settlement of the crisis in Syria has finally moved from a dead point”. Both the Syrian government and the opposition have become more inclined to a dialogue,”.

On February 25, Sergey Lavrov will meet with his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem in Moscow. The two Foreign Ministers will discuss what is needed for to start talks.

Mr. Lavov believes that these talks may start already next week.

“What makes me so optimistic,” he says, “is not only the fact that the Syrian government and the opposition have become more ready for talks, but also that the approach of several countries that are trying to settle the crisis in Syria to this problem has changed. It is probably too early to call it a breakthrough, but it is obviously a good start.”

 “When I meet with Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid Muallem,” Mr. Lavrov says, “I am going to ask him how he evaluates the current situation in Syria and what steps he suggests for the crisis  to be settled.”

“It is also a good sign that the US has promised its help to Russia in its efforts to mediate in talks between the sides in Syria,” the Russian Foreign Minister continues. “Last Sunday, I had a phone conversation with the US Secretary of State John Kerry, and he assured me of that.”

 “Mr. Kerry agreed with me that in the current situation, there is a good chance to make considerable steps towards peace in Syria, and that this chance should not be missed.

During their phone talk, Mr. Lavrov and Mr. Kerry expressed a wish to meet personally for a more detailed discussion in the nearest future. After all, it is more convenient to discuss such important issues during a personal meeting. 

The personal meeting between Mr. Lavrov and Mr. Kerry will probably take place somewhere between February 24 and March 6, during John Kerry’s tour to several countries – his first tour since he has been appointed the US’s State Secretary. This was announced by the Ms. Victoria Nuland on Tuesday.

 M.D