Lavrov speaks against "ultimatums to Syria"

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov has called for "an end to ultimatums" being issued to Syria after the Arab League decided to introduce sanctions against that country. "It is now most important to stop issuing ultimatums and work on returning the situation to the political field," he said, according to the Russian Interfax news agency. Lavrov speaks against "ultimatums to Syria" The Arab League on Monday placed Syria under economic sanctions in order to pressure the country's authorities to end repression over anti-government protests. Lavrov spoke about the importance of a peaceful solution to the crisis, and mentioned the example of Yemen: "All these countries, including those who are now demanding measures to be undertaken against Syria, had a very different stance toward Yemen, where negotiations about a peaceful solution, proposed by the Cooperation Council for the States of the Gulf, lasted for months." In Yemen, the top Russian official continued, the peace plan was signed after a display of patience and perseverance, and after equal pressure was exerted on all partners. "Such approach is also need for the Syrian problem, because ultimatums issued by some states, especially the Arab League, won't solve the problem," stated Lavrov. He also described as "unfair" calls to introduce an arms embargo against Syria, adding that militant groups opposing the government were armed "from abroad". On Monday, U.S. and German ambassadors to the UN said it was time to renew negotiations at the Security Council on a draft resolution that would condemn repression against demonstrators in Syria. Last month, Russia and China vetoed a similar draft submitted by western countries. Sergei Lavrov (Beta, file)

Lavrov speaks against "ultimatums to Syria"

The Arab League on Monday placed Syria under economic sanctions in order to pressure the country's authorities to end repression over anti-government protests.

Lavrov spoke about the importance of a peaceful solution to the crisis, and mentioned the example of Yemen:

"All these countries, including those who are now demanding measures to be undertaken against Syria, had a very different stance toward Yemen, where negotiations about a peaceful solution, proposed by the Cooperation Council for the States of the Gulf, lasted for months."

In Yemen, the top Russian official continued, the peace plan was signed after a display of patience and perseverance, and after equal pressure was exerted on all partners.

"Such approach is also need for the Syrian problem, because ultimatums issued by some states, especially the Arab League, won't solve the problem," stated Lavrov.

He also described as "unfair" calls to introduce an arms embargo against Syria, adding that militant groups opposing the government were armed "from abroad".

On Monday, U.S. and German ambassadors to the UN said it was time to renew negotiations at the Security Council on a draft resolution that would condemn repression against demonstrators in Syria.

Last month, Russia and China vetoed a similar draft submitted by western countries.