Lavrov: Syrian peace process should seek compromise instead of regime change
MOSCOW. May 23 (Interfax) - The search for compromises in the Syrian peace process cannot be based on regime change ultimatums, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"We stand for the resumption of the Geneva negotiations and the continuation of the inter-Syrian dialogue consistent with the approved agenda, whose first item is the termination of violence and the suppression of terrorism. The discussion of transitional period issues should concentrate on the search for compromises and accord rather than ultimatums demanding a regime change," Lavrov said at the Moscow international security conference on Friday.
He said the attempts to use the humanitarian crisis or other aspects of the Syrian crisis as an excuse for foreign military interference were counterproductive.
"Importantly, delegations of opposition groups negotiating with the government should be truly representative," Lavrov said.