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Russia urges Syrian leadership to more actively implement Kofi Annan's plan

Full and complete ceasefire, according to the plan, is only possible on mutual basis

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, April 10 (Itar-Tass) — Russia urges the Syrian leadership to more actively implement Kofi Annan's plan, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Tuesday after talks with his Syrian colleague Walid Muallem.

The Russian minister noted that in the course of the talks, Moscow had elaborated on its position on the situation in Syria, including on implementing the plan of Kofi Annan, the special envoy of the United Nations and Arab League.

"I believe their actions /by the Syrian leadership - eds Itar-Tass/ could be more vigorous," he underlined.

"Taking into account the contradictory information coming from different sides, the soonest sending to Syria of international observers assumes the key significance for the success of Kofi Annan's mission.

"Full and complete ceasefire, according to the plan, is only possible on mutual basis, where all the arties cooperate with the special envoy, with the establishment and availability of an effective monitoring mechanism.

"The UN Security Council instructed the secretary general to present proposals on such a mechanism of observers. They have not been brought forward yet, but we’re hoping they will come shortly. It is the most urgent issue," the Russian diplomat said.

According to Lavrov, Syria confirmed to Russia its commitment to impellent Kofi Annan's plan. "We talked at length with minister Muallem about the situation with the implementation of Kofi Annan's plan. They confirmed to us the Syrian leadership’s commitments to all their obligations.

"They also informed us about the beginning of the implementation by the Syrian leadership of the provisions of the plan concerning the use of the army and heavy equipment in towns," Lavrov said.

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