Lavrov: Russia Not in Syria Regime Change Game

Local Editor

Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow called for an immediate halt to violence and launching dialogue since the onset of the crisis in Syria.

In an interview with the BBC television, Lavrov said that he sees ''no serious disagreements between Moscow and London regarding the ultimate goal in Syria."
He further indicated that the two countries want a democratic, undivided Syria and that the Syrians decide their own future, and that the minorities' rights be secured.

In parallel, Lavrov reiterated his country's commitment to Geneva statement, stressing that it is not involved in the regime-change game.
"Saving human lives is a priority for Russia," the top of Moscow's diplomacy stated, and pointed out that "underlining the importance of making the conflict parties come to dialogue."
Lavrov emphasized the necessity of urging all sides to come to dialogue, pointing out that he discussed this issue with his US counterpart John Kerry and intended to raise it for discussion during his forthcoming meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague.

Lavrov warned that ''bloodshed in Syria will continue unless outside powers cooperate and all parties rule out the military solution.''
Moreover, he indicated that the issue of putting the situation in Syria on the political track was discussed during Geneva meeting last June.
''We wanted to figure out how to do this, taking into consideration supplying the Syrian opposition with weapons," he added.
Lavrov added that only Syrians can decide the destiny of the Syrian state and whether the president should stay or leave.

''We oppose preconditions for ending violence and launching dialogue,'' Lavrov said, adding "We are convinced that saving lives is a priority."
''If anyone says that President al-Assad must leave or not, this means that he is after another goal other than saving human lives,'' Lavrov said, indicating that President al-Assad is ready to discuss all issues with the Syrians ''for he does not dodge or bluff.''

Lavrov reiterated that Russia is exporting defensive weapons to Syria that are deemed necessary against outside aggression and cannot be used inside the country, adding that the weapons exports are done according to signed agreements between Russia and Syria.
''We haven't contravened any international agreements,'' he added.

The Russian Foreign Minister pointed out to ''positive signals'' in the stance of the Doha Coalition whose leader expressed interest in dialogue, indicating that the Syrian government has also expressed willingness to hold dialogue, even with those fighting in Syria.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org