Moscow ‘ready for talks’ with Syrian rebel forces: Russian foreign minister

MOSCOW

ussia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a press conference after his meeting with his Slovenian counterpart in Brdo near Kranj on May 3. AFP photo

Russia is open to dialogue with the Free Syrian Army representatives, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said May 3. “We are ready for talks with all of the Syrian opposition,” Lavrov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

The commander of the rebel forces, Supreme Military Council leader General Salim Idris, had recently said he was willing to discuss the resolution of the Syrian conflict with Russian officials.  

While noting that he had not heard any statement from Idris, Lavrov however added that “armed non-state players are against international laws.”

Lavrov’s statements came only a day after US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that Washington was reconsidering whether to arm Syrian rebels. 

Lavrov also said that he would discuss the developments in Syria at a meeting next week with his US counterpart John Kerry.