A Russian envoy on Tuesday called on Syrian President Bashar Assad to halt violence against protesters immediately and implement promised political changes.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov delivered the demands in a message from President Dmitry Medvedev at a meeting with Assad in Damascus, the Kremlin said in a statement on its web site.
“From the Russian side, the need was stressed for an immediate and complete halt to violence by all parties and the immediate implementation of reforms promised by the Syrian leadership,” the statement said. Bogdanov also called on the Syrian opposition to accept the government’s offer of dialogue, the Kremlin said.
Russia, which has maintained close ties with Syria since the Soviet era, earlier this month rejected demands from the United States and the European Union for Assad to step down because of his regime’s crackdown on protests that began five months ago. Russia also opposes an initiative by the United States, Britain and France, to impose United Nations sanctions on Syria. The UN puts the death toll at more than 2,200.
Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, told reporters in New York on Aug. 26 that his country was starting a diplomatic initiative to halt the violence in Syria.
Churkin also introduced a draft resolution in the UN Security Council that “calls on the Syrian government to expedite the implementation of the announced reforms in order to effectively address the legitimate aspirations and concerns” of Syria’s people.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
