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Lavrov asks Annan to interact with Syrian authorities, opposition

Lavrov “stressed that all the sides must stop violence and the Syrian political process must begin,” it said
Photo ITAR-TASS
Photo ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, March 25 (Itar-Tass) —— Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called on UN/LAS Special Envoy for Syria Kofi Annan to interact both with the Syrian authorities and the opposition, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on Sunday.

“A broad range of Syrian affairs was discussed. The minister noted that Russia supported Annan’s appointment to the position from the very start due to his experience and authority in the settlement of crises,” the ministry said.

Lavrov “stressed that all the sides must stop violence and the Syrian political process must begin,” it said.

“It was noted that the UN Security Council’s approval of the proposals of the special envoy created an opportunity of progress towards peaceful settlement of internal Syrian problems. This task has special significance for stability in Syria and the whole Middle East region,” the ministry said.

The world “should render common support to the Annan mission. This implies non-interference in Syrian internal affairs and impermissibility of support to either side to the conflict,” Lavrov said.