Assad says backs any effort that supports Syrian stability

3^min

Syria will cooperate with any effort to resolve its crisis that promotes stability in the country, the state news agency SANA quoted President Bashar al-Assad as saying on Tuesday.

"Syria from the beginning has welcomed any efforts that back the Syrian solution to the crisis," SANA quoted Assad as saying while meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, adding that he reiterated "Syria's readiness to cooperate with any effort that supports stability."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov began talks with Assad on Tuesday by saying Moscow wants Arab peoples to live in peace and the Syrian leader is aware of his responsibility, Russian news agency RIA reported.

Lavrov was also quoted by Itar-Tass agency as having said that Assad had assured him Syria is committed to stopping violence by all sides.

Assad also expressed interest in the continuation and expansion of an Arab League observer mission in Syria, Lavrov said after what he called "very useful meetings with the leadership" of Syria, Interfax reported.

"The president of Syria assured us he was 'completely committed to the task of stopping violence regardless of where it may come from'," Interfax quoted Lavrov as saying.

"Syria is informing the Arab League it is interested in the League's mission continuing its work and being increased in terms of quantity," Lavrov said.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will soon set a date for a referendum on a new constitution, Lavrov added.

"President Assad informed (me) that he will meet in the coming days with the commission that prepared a draft of the new constitution," the Russian news agency quoted Lavrov as saying in Damascus after talks with Assad, who faces protests against his rule.

"The work is finished, and now a date will be announced for a referendum on this important document for Syria."

The remarks may be intended to prompt Assad to take steps to end 11 months of bloodshed which most of the world blames largely on his government. Russia has said Assad's opponents must also share responsibility for the violence.

Lavrov and Russia's foreign intelligence chief were making a one-day visit to Syria that the Russian Foreign Ministry said was part of Moscow's efforts to stabilize Syria and implement democratic reforms.

Russia and China used their veto power on Saturday to block a Western-Arab draft United Nations Security Council resolution that backed an Arab League plan calling for Assad to quit.

Breaking Headlines

backs

effort

supports

Syrian

stability

A patient at Notre Dame De Liban Hospital - Jounieh urgently needs A+ blood type, to donate please call: 70 281 616