Lavrov Rejects Syrian leadership’s Exit as Precondition for Dialogue

CHERNIVTSI, (ST) – Moscow believes that Syrian leadership’s  exit cannot be a precondition for a deal to resolve the country’s crisis, Russia’s foreign minister said on Sunday.

“Our partners are convinced that the Syrian leadership’s  exit is essential as a precondition. This is a precondition, which is not mentioned in the Geneva Communique and cannot be fulfilled, because this does not depend on anyone,” Sergei Lavrov said in comments on Friday’s three-party Syria meeting with international Syria envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and US diplomats,according to RIA NOVOSTI.

“President Al-Assad announced initiatives to invite all opposition members for a dialogue. Yes, probably, these initiatives are not far-reaching, someone may think they are not serious enough. But this is a proposal,” Lavrov said after talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kozhara commenting on President Al-Assad’s peace plan.

Last week, President Al-Assad proposed a plan to resolve the country’s crisis which includes a national reconciliation conference, the formation of a new government and an amnesty.

Russia’s foreign minister called on Syria’s opposition to announce their ideas on “how to enter a dialogue.”

M.D