Lavrov says Russia interested in dialog with Syria on regional issues

Russia is interested in dialog with the new Syrian authorities not only on security issues but also on the regional agenda. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on December 26.

He explained that the Russian embassy in Syria continues to work, and also said that Moscow maintains contacts with the new authorities of the country on the issue of ensuring the security of Russian citizens and the functioning of the Russian diplomatic mission.

"We are interested and ready for dialog on other issues of our bilateral relations and on the regional agenda," Lavrov added, noting that Russia also hopes for the resumption of economic and investment cooperation after the end of the transition period in Syria.

Speaking about the establishment of a new system of power in the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR), the minister emphasized that it is not an easy process and said Moscow is ready to assist Damascus in this matter.

"Russia is ready to play the role of supporting the consolidation of all processes in Syria and the organization of elections in such a way that they are recognized by everyone and do not raise any questions," Lavrov said.

The Russian foreign minister believes that all political and ethnic groups should take part in the elections in the SAR.

"We must not allow Syria to break into pieces. Some would like that," he said in an interview with Russian and foreign media.

Accountability for action: trials of military officials close to Assad begin in Syria

How large-scale will be the purge of law enforcement agencies, which the new authorities of the country are carrying out?

In December, the Russian foreign minister held a series of telephone talks with his counterparts from Middle Eastern countries, in which he expressed Russia's firm support for preserving Syria's sovereignty. Also this month, the foreign ministers of eight Arab countries advocated the cessation of hostilities on Syrian territory, and the Russian Foreign Ministry called in clusive dialogue the way to normalize the situation in Syria.

On December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted during the "Results of the Year" that the Russian Federation counts on peace and calm in Syria and maintains relations with all groups that control the situation there, as well as with all countries in the region. The head of state specified that at the moment Russia offered to use its bases in Syria to deliver humanitarian aid to the country.

The Russian Foreign Ministry reported on December 8 that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, after negotiations with the opposition, left the post of the head of state and left the country, instructing to carry out the transfer of power peacefully. The National Coalition of Revolutionary and Opposition Forces of Syria said it was working on the formation of a transitional authority. The country is expected to hold a referendum.

The situation in Syria escalated as a result of a major attack by armed groups in Aleppo and Idlib, which began on November 28 and led to a response by the Syrian army.