Let Syrians decide their future themselves, says Russia

Asia Bulletin Wednesday 8th February, 2012

MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Wednesday condemned the ongoing violence in Syria but cautioned against outside interference "under any circumstances".

"We certainly condemn all violence wherever it comes from. However, you cannot act like a bull in a china shop," he said, reports the ITAR-TASS news agency.

Russia has been key to stopping an UN Security Council and Arab backed resolution to get Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to hand over power.

Barring China and Russia all the other 13 member countries had favored the UN Security Council resolution to end violence in Syria and pave the way for a change in government.

Mooting an advisory role for countries in matters pertaining to Syria, Putin said they should "not interfere under any circumstancesThe people must decide their future themselves."

In the 11-month crackdown on protesters by government security forces, over 5,000 people have been killed, according to the UN. Syrian authorities however blame the violence on armed gangs affiliated with al-Qaida and other outside forces.

A strong ally of Assad, Russia together with China has repeatedly stalled the Western drive for a stronger crackdown on Syria warning it could lead to a repeat of the Libyan scenario.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Wednesday called on the Arab world, the United States and Europe to refrain from passing judgment on the national dialogue in Syria which Moscow has pledged to help with.

Speaking to reporters about his meeting with Assad in Damascus on Tuesday, Lavrov said he was told that Syrian vice president Farouk al-Sharaa has been delegated the task of holding talks with the opposition groups.

But despite Russia's assurance that Assad would pursue a path of dialogue with the protesters, there has been no let up in violence, with around 150 people killed over the last two days.

Syrian television claimed that residents of Homs neighborhood have requested the army to protect them.

White House Spokesman Jay Carney has meanwhile urged Russia to "realize that betting everything on Assad is a recipe for failure - not just for Russia's interests in Syria, but for the stability of the region and for Syria's future."