Lavrov: Geneva Convention Base of Syria Talks

Local Editor

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested there is only a slim chance of finding a solution to the crisis in Syria at talks with the United States and international envoy al-Akhdar Ibrahimi, according to comments published on Friday.
Lavrov, who met Ibrahimi and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Dublin on Thursday, confirmed that US and Russian officials would hold a follow-up meeting with Ibrahimi in coming days.
"Russia and the US agreed that our experts will meet in the coming days with Ibrahimi and his people for a brainstorm and an exchange of opinions on how to move forward toward a resolution," Lavrov said.

According to a Foreign Ministry transcript of his remarks, Lavrov said: "I would not make optimistic predictions, but I will say that we found it unjustified to refuse Ibrahimi') request for a meeting. The United States shares this position."
"It remains to be seen what will come out of this," the head of Russian diplomacy stated.

In parallel, Lavrov echoed Ibrahimi by saying the talks would be based on the Geneva Declaration, which was agreed at a meeting in June involving international powers and called for a transitional administration in Syria.
Lavrov said that Ibrahimi understands that the chances of success are "far from 100 percent" but believes Russia and the United States can play leading roles in trying to determine what can be done to implement the agreement reached in Geneva.

"Russia and the United States for understandable reasons acknowledge their special responsibility for international security, and this aspect was particularly stressed by Brahimi," Lavrov said.


Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org