Lavrov: Moscow stands for rapid resumption of inter-Syrian talks
MOSCOW. April 24 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for the soonest possible holding of the third round of inter-Syrian negotiations.
"We agree that the politico-diplomatic settlement of the Syrian crisis based on the Geneva Communique has been unproductive. Therefore, we support the resumption of inter-Syrian negotiations and the soonest possible arrangement of the third round. We think it should not be delayed," Lavrov told a press conference following negotiations with his Lebanese counterpart Gibran Bassil.
"Russia is confident that the artificial postponement of the Geneva II third round is counterproductive. We think the round should be arranged as soon as possible. We reply to the skeptical allegations that this does not make sense and [the round] will be worthless by saying that we have no right to give up until we fully use the format called Geneva II," the Russian foreign minister said.
"Those who are blocking this process undertake a huge responsibility. Accidentally or not, those who are opposed to the third round of Geneva II are extremely hesitant in the deterrence of the terrorist threat coming from Syria, which has been escalating and creating risks to the entire region," Lavrov said.