Moscow calls for restraint in Syria situation

Russia is concerned over the current situation in Syria and calls for self-restraint of both Syrian authorities and opposition, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday. The ministry stressed the use of force against both civilians and representatives of state structures "is unacceptable" and should be "stopped immediately." "Moscow is seriously concerned by information about numerous casualties....We urged the Syrian government and the opposition to show maximum restraint, abstain from provocation and repression, obey the law and show respect to international humanitarian law," said the ministry. The ministry also calls for the launch of a "comprehensive, responsible and substantial dialogue" to address the pressing domestic political and socio-economic problems. The launch of the dialogue "is in the interests of all Syrians" to restore civil harmony and ensure a stable democratic development, the ministry said. A total of 140 Syrians were said to have been killed in several cities in clashes with security forces Sunday, while the cabinet ratified a draft law to give a greater say in various fields to local governments and the public. Earlier, Moscow has repeatedly stressed that it was firmly opposed to foreign interference in Syria and believed the crisis in the country could only be resolved by its own people.