Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow will not be shifting its stance on Syria and has instead called on other nations to review their policy, as battles continue to rage in the country.
Speaking on Russia Today television, the President said,
Meanwhile Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reiterated that he had guarantees the Syrian regime would not deploy chemical weapons in their fight against Free Syrian Army rebels. Ryabkov stated that,
Speaking on Russia Today television, the President said,
“Why should Russia be the only one reassessing its position? Perhaps our negotiating partners should reassess their position”See his full interview below (comments on Syria start at 4 minutes 20 seconds).
“To us, the most important thing is to end the violence, to force all the sides in the conflict to sit down at the negotiating table, determine the future and ensure the security of all the participants of the domestic political process,” he said.
“Only then move on to these practical steps about the internal organisation of the country itself."
Meanwhile Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reiterated that he had guarantees the Syrian regime would not deploy chemical weapons in their fight against Free Syrian Army rebels. Ryabkov stated that,
“We are fully confident - and have the official assurance from Damascus - that this country’s government is taking all the necessary measures to guarantee the chemical arsenal’s safety.”