Lavrov denies reports on closure of Russian embassy in Damascus, Tartus base
MOSCOW. June 28 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called the reports on the plans to close the Russian embassy in Damascus and the Tartus case rumors aimed at replacing the regime in Syria.
"All these rumors are speculation and provocation aimed at preparing the public for the efforts to change the regime," Lavrov told a press conference following a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart in Moscow after being asked by an al Jazeera reporter to comment on a report published by the Guardian.
"Did the Guardian report this? Was al Jazeera to late?" Lavrov, said, jokingly.
"The Russian embassy is working in a normal mode as regards the fulfillment of its functions as a diplomatic mission," Lavrov said.
At the same time, Lavrov said Russian diplomats are fulfilling their duties "in very tense, dangerous conditions, which is highly appreciated by the Russian administration."
"The people are working professionally and truly selflessly. Information is arriving regularly, it's clear and specific and it contains conclusions, proposals and evaluations of the prospects of development of the situation in Syria and around it," Lavrov said.
