US provoking Syrian opposition: Russia

Moscow, Nov 3 (IANS) Russia has blamed the US for effectively provoking the Syrian opposition into hardline stance, Xinhua reported.

“The United States claimed it will continue pressing the Syrian government, including toughening its sanctions. (Washington) directly advised what the Syrian opposition should do to form a government-in-exile, who should join such a government,” Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich said Friday.

Moscow argued that statements from Washington contradicted the Geneva agreement, which requires all sides in Syria to stop violence and start negotiations for political transition.

The spokesperson said Moscow kept working with Syrian authorities and the opposition, and urged them to implement the Geneva agreement.

Russia has also called on international efforts to persuade the Syrian opposition into peace dialogue.

IANS 2012-11-03 08:02:04