IRI can play constructive role in Syria: Russia

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov says Iran could play a constructive role in establishing an international contact group for resolving the crisis in Syria. Gatilov said on Friday that Tehran "has a full right" to participate in the process, adding that, "Iran's participation could play a constructive role in searching for solutions to the Syrian conflict.” The Russian official said Moscow supports UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan’s proposal of setting up an international contact group to put an early end to the 16- month Syrian crisis. Gatilov said such a group should include members of the UN Security Council, as well as regional states, "primarily those bordering Syria and having their own interests in this region." He added that Moscow is opposed to using force against Syria as it would only worsen the situation in the country. "Obviously, imposing restrictive or forcible measures will not help, but only worsen the already complicated situation in this country," he added. Many people, including members of the security forces, have been killed in the turmoil that began in Syria in March 2011.

Damascus blames “outlaws, saboteurs and armed terrorist groups" for the unrest, stating that it is being orchestrated from abroad