Last Updated: Friday, 25 May 2012, 13:06 GMT  
Title Russia's Lavrov says Western stance on Syria 'immoral'
Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Country Russian Federation | Syrian Arab Republic
Publication Date 13 December 2011
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia's Lavrov says Western stance on Syria 'immoral', 13 December 2011, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4f1431a5c.html [accessed 27 May 2012]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Russia's Lavrov says Western stance on Syria 'immoral'

December 13, 2011

Russia's foreign minister has rebuffed calls on Moscow to back sanctions against Syria, saying that ultimatums won't help end the crisis.

Sergei Lavrov said the West was taking an "immoral" stance on Syria by raising the pressure on President Bashar Assad's government while turning a blind eye to violent action by militants.

Lavrov was speaking at a news conference following his talks with visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci.

Lavrov also said that Moscow has advised Syria to accept Arab League observers as quickly as possible.

UN rights chief Navi Pillay said on December 12 that more than 5,000 people have died in the nine-month-long Syrian conflict.

Pillay urged the UN Security Council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court for investigation of possible crimes against humanity.

Last month, Russia and China vetoed a Western-backed UN Security Council resolution condemning the bloodshed in Syria.

compiled from agency reports

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

Topics: Sanctions,

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