Reuters: Russia says wants Syria elections, ready to help Free Syrian Army
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Kremlin wanted Syria to prepare for parliamentary and presidential elections, as Moscow intensified its drive to convert its increased clout with Damascus into a political settlement.
In comments which mark a shift in Russia's position, he also said that Russia's airforce, which has been bombing Islamist militants in Syria since Sept. 30, would be ready to help Western-backed Free Syrian Army rebels, if it knew where they were.
The Kremlin, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's strongest foreign ally, has spoken broadly about the need for elections in Syria before. But Lavrov's comments were its most specific call for political renewal yet and came just days after a surprise visit by Assad to Moscow.
WNU Editor: Is Russia serious about this proposal? I have my doubts. But this discussion is now moot .... the Syrian rebels have rejected this Russian proposal .... Media: Syria’s armed opposition rejects coordination with Russia against Islamic State (TASS). More here .... Syrian rebels reject Russian help against ISIS (Al Arabiya).
More News On Russia Willing To Provide Air Support For Moderate Syrian Rebels
Russia offers air cover for anti-Assad rebels, urges polls -- AFP
Russia Ready to Cooperate With U.S. Over Syria, Says Lavrov -- WSJ
Russia Says It's 'Ready to Help' Western-backed Rebels in Syria -- VOA
Russia wants free Syrian elections, will help Western-backed rebels -- UPI
Syria war: Russia 'is ready to assist FSA rebels' -- BBC
Russia ready to provide air support to moderate Syria rebels -- DW
4 comments:
WNU Editor,
As Admiral Akbar stated:
" it's a trap!"
The Russians are just demonstrating once again, that there is no such animal as a Syrian Moderate.
They are either in bed with ISIS, or Al Quida,
Or the "4 or 5" survivors of Division 30, hiding out with the YPG.
Now we can say "we tried". I do wonder what we would have done if they accepted. Probably stalled on any political decisions until after the war, at least.
Daniel,
Exactly. Now the Russian foreign office can claim to be "moderate", when they predicted ahead of time with 90% probability that their 'offer' would be rejected. So there was little risk. On top of that if it had been accepted, you are correct in their stalling move.
This move was to disarm the Western political and press establishment or at leas take some wind out of their sails
When the Russians do this kind of thing I tend to think they are making fun of us. It's right up there with oatmeal heads. They think we're full of s@@# and gleefully rub our faces in it every chance they get.
There are no moderate rebels or moderate anythings in Syria. It's to the death. I'm waiting for the Backfires to show up.
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