Syria: Russia forced to deny it discussed post Bashar al-Assad regime

“There were no such discussions and there could not be such discussions,”
he said. “We do not get involved in overthrowing regimes – neither
through approval of unilateral actions by the UN Security Council nor by any
participation in any political plots.”

Despite Moscow’s public protestations, Western states remain convinced that
Russia can be won round. Several officials said that Russia would accept his
departure if the Syrian people called for it, prompting Hillary Clinton to
dispatch a number of envoys to Moscow in the hope of persuading it to back a
new peace plan that would be centred on Mr Assad’s resignation.

Desperate to maintain a vital strategic relationship with its most important
Arab ally, however, Russia has persistently vetoed Western efforts to impose
sanctions on the Assad regime and has been instrumental in ensuring the
Syrian president’s survival.

Amid heightened international urgency over how to respond to the worsening
crisis, the head of the UN observer team admitted that the peace plan which
established his mission was fast disintegrating.

“Violence over the past 10 days has been intensifying, again willingly by
both parties, with losses on both sides and at significant risk to our
observers,” said Major-General Robert Mood.

“The escalating violence is now limiting our ability to observe, verify,
report as well as assist in local dialogue and stability projects.”

Clashes were reported across Syria yesterday as regime forces stepped up an
offensive to drive rebel forces out of their strongholds.

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