Moscow: A Russian diplomat signalled on Thursday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should refrain from statements suggesting he might seek re-election because it could fuel tension before planned peace talks.
Russia has been Assad's most important international ally during Syria's civil war, but the remarks by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to Interfax news agency appeared to be a rare public criticism of Assad by Moscow.
Assad told Syria's Al Mayadeen television in October that he had no intention of quitting, despite pressure to do so from the United States and rebels fighting government forces. He also saw no obstacles to being nominated for a new term.
"Such rhetorical statements affect the atmosphere and do not make the situation any calmer," Bogdanov was quoted as saying.
Looking ahead to an international peace conference which is planned on Syria next month in Geneva, he said: "Our position is that ahead of the start of negotiations, there should be no remarks that could displease anyone or provoke emotions and a response. They should rather be avoided."
Bogdanov has been involved in preparations for the peace talks that are due to start in Geneva on Jan 22.
Russia has blocked Western-backed efforts to condemn Assad at the U.N. Security Council or to push him out of power.
Moscow says it is not trying to prop up Assad but that his departure cannot be a precondition for peace moves.
Russia has been Assad's most important international ally during Syria's civil war, but the remarks by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to Interfax news agency appeared to be a rare public criticism of Assad by Moscow.
Assad told Syria's Al Mayadeen television in October that he had no intention of quitting, despite pressure to do so from the United States and rebels fighting government forces. He also saw no obstacles to being nominated for a new term.
Looking ahead to an international peace conference which is planned on Syria next month in Geneva, he said: "Our position is that ahead of the start of negotiations, there should be no remarks that could displease anyone or provoke emotions and a response. They should rather be avoided."
Advertisement
Russia has blocked Western-backed efforts to condemn Assad at the U.N. Security Council or to push him out of power.
Advertisement
© Thomson Reuters 2013
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Unjustified": Russia On India Facing "Enormous Pressure" Due To Energy Ties Secret Service Head To Testify To US House Panel On Trump Shooting Florida Man Arrested For Making Threats Against Biden World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage 4 Passengers Die As 12 Coaches Of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express Derail In UP Why BJP Lost Lok Sabha Polls In Uttar Pradesh - 6 Reasons In Party Report Sensex Breaches 81,000 Mark, Nifty Scales 24,800 Peak On IT, FMCG Gains 'Yodha' Is A Mammoth Documentation Of India's Wars And Battles Woman Dies After Jumping Off Elevated Platform At Delhi Metro Station: Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.