Lavrov: parliamentary elections in Syria are aimed at preventing legal vacuum before new constitution is developed
MOSCOW. April 13 (Interfax) - The parliamentary elections in Syria, which are being held on April 13, are aimed at filling in the political vacuum before the country's new constitution is adopted, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"Parliamentary elections are being conducted today and we are very calm about them because we believe that these elections ensure the functioning of those administration institutions in Syria that are envisaged by the current constitution of this country," Lavrov told a press conference on Wednesday following a meeting with his Argentinean counterpart.
"Indeed, the Geneva negotiations that are resuming this week will address political reform in Syria. The Syrian parties will agree on a new constitution, on how they see the structures that will help implement a smooth transition to a new system. However, agreements should, of course, be reached by the people of Syria," the Russian minister said.
He said that "there is understanding that this political process should result in a new constitution, on the basis of which new early elections will be conducted."
"However, before that happens one cannot allow any legal vacuum or vacuum in the sphere of executive administration in Syria," Lavrov said, adding that "this role should be played by today's elections."
"Probably that's how we see them. And we still fully adhere to the agreements on negotiations between the Syrians for the purpose of reaching accord in political reforms," Lavrov said.
"These agreements are outlined in decisions made by the International Syria Support Group, in UN Security Council resolutions, and everyone should fulfill all of them," Lavrov said.
Speaking about the fact that some Syrian opposition activists said they will not recognize the election outcome, the Russian foreign minister said: "It's covered by what I already said."