Saspkin: Russian stances did not change

The Russian ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Saspkin declared on Saturday that the Russian stances over the Syrian conflict did not change, noting that they will continue deploying efforts in order to reach a political compromise. He stressed the need to reach an agreement to end violence, bring back international observers, form a transitional administrative committee and hold dialogue in order to establish a contemporary democratic state that secures the citizens' rights and freedoms while allowing the participation of all factions of the people in the political and social lives.               

On the other hand, Saspkin strongly condemned terrorist acts, stressing the need to end armament and funding armed groups. He pointed that there is no benefit in recognizing an opposition group as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, calling for exerting pressure on all conflict parties in order to implement the Geneva statement as soon as possible, and without any amendment whatsoever.                    

In this context, the Russian ambassador explained that Russia seeks to contribute to the implementation of the Geneva statement by engaging in Russian-American talks.

Saspkin denied reports about a division in the Russian Foreign Ministry's position regarding the Syrian crisis, between the Russian Foreign Minister who shows firm support to the Syrian regime and his deputy who is said to be more open to the Syrian opposition.