Lavrov: Russia Cannot Solve Syrian Crisis Alone, West Inciting Violence in Ukraine

Local Editor

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed Saturday that Russia cannot solve the Syrian crisis alone, and that pressure should be exerted on both sides of the conflict.

During the Security conference being held in Munich, the Russian FM pointed out that the crisis in Syria caused terrorism to emerge, stressing the importance of increasing the opposition delegation to Geneva II conference.

"Russia - and even the United States - can do nothing alone, but together we can. We have to be patient and follow the principle of sequence," he said.
"There is no need to alarms or threats regarding the chemical weapons disposal plan. Does this help? Surely not."

Lavrov accentuated that his country believes the team efforts have led to the latest decisions about Syrian chemical weapons, holding Geneva II and the Iranian nuclear deal.
Lavrov also expressed that Russia effectively supports the dialogue opened in Geneva between the Syrian government and the opposition delegation.

"Syrians must get the help to determine the future of their country. We hope this political process will preserve the sovereignty of Syria and the unity of its land as a secular state that guarantees the rights of all sects and ethnic groups," he stated.
Furthermore, Lavrov stressed "the bloody conflict in Syria has turned this country to a stronghold for extremists and terrorists from across the world, and no one knows how will they use those skills upon arrival to their homelands. Horrible acts they committed against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East push towards pessimism."

He shed light on the necessity of forming a delegation that includes "all spectrums of the Syrian society to the International Conference."
Earlier, and amid the Geneva 2 peace conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that no talks will take place with terrorists in Syria.
The minister noted that Jebhat an-Nusra, the Islamic state of Iraq and Levant, and other Al-Qaeda branches cannot be involved in the peace process while militants "rampage and commit terrorist acts [in Syria]."

The task of combating terrorism is "becoming higher priority with due account of the scale of terrorism threat that grows in Syria and already spreads on Iraq," the Russian foreign minister said.

On another note, Lavrov described the West's interpretation of freedom in Ukraine as "strange," accusing the EU of fueling anti-government protests.
"What does the inciting of street protests, which are growing increasingly violent, have to do with promoting democratic principles?" Lavrov asked a panel discussion at the conference in Germany.

He also slammed the European Union and the United States for failing to condemn those who seize buildings, attack police and use racist slogans in anti-government protests in Ukraine.

"Why do we not hear statements of condemnation toward those who seize government buildings, attack and burn police officers, and voice racist slogans? Why do senior European politicians de facto encourage such actions, while at home they swiftly and harshly act to stop any impingement on the letter of the law?" asked the Russian Foreign Minister.

Lavrov made the remarks in response to statements by European Council President Hermann van Rompuy, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is taking part at the event, has stressed Washington and EU support for anti-government protesters in Ukraine.
The Ukraine political crisis is a major talking point at the Munich Security Conference.

Source: News Agencies, edited by website team