Lavrov: Political Solution to Syrian Crisis without Foreign Interference, Some Sides Call on Opposition to Foil Annan's Plan

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jouhina neews, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia supports the plan of the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan to solve the Syrian crisis with regard to respecting the sovereignty and independence of Syria and reaching a political solution without any foreign interference. In a press conference with his British counterpart, William Hague, on Monday, Lavrov stressed that the Syrian people are the ones to decide their destiny, adding that Russia and Britain oppose any foreign interference in the Syrian crisis and what is really important for Russia is to halt violence immediately and start a political dialogue among all sides to solve the crisis. He indicated that some sides call on the opposition to foil Annan's plan, expressing doubt in the intention of countries neighboring to Syria and their efforts to end the crisis. Lavrov held the opposition responsible for what is taking place in Syria and the lives of civilians, adding that the opposition receive support and aid from outside. He said that we cannot ignore the terrorism and bombings taking place in Syria which indicate the involvement of al-Qaeda in them. He stressed that now, Russia is interested in ending violence against the Syrian people and the loss of lives, adding that the halt of violence requires exerting greater efforts by the government and the opposition, in addition to forcing both of them to end fighting. Lavrov expressed Russia's support to Annan's plan including dialogue with the Syrian government and the opposition which has not been implemented yet. Regarding Hague's statement about Russia's role in pressuring the Syrian government, Lavrov said that Russia has played such a role since last spring when the Arab League agreed to deploy observers in Syria to inspect the reality of events, regretting the withdrawing its observers from Syria for unknown reason. Lavrov said that the Syrian leadership has supported Annan's mission from the beginning, adding that "we are working to implement Annan's plan by all sides and we call upon the opposition and other parties to implement it , yet some sides did not respond, rather they may try to blow up the whole plan and call for foreign interference which is unfair." He added that implementing Annan's plan requires having influence on the armed groups inside Syria, indicating that all Syrians have to help make Annan's plan a success and prepare for launching a national dialogue. Lavrov said "We don’t support the Syrian government. We support Annan's plan. The problem should be solved and we should not turn a blind eye to what is taking place in the country. The opposition is responsible for what is happening there and for the lives of the civilians as well." He added that the terrorist operations are increasing and some sides of the opposition receive foreign financial support which is clear and has always been a subject for discussion in the UNSC. Lavrov condemned al-Houla massacre as "tragic", adding that Russia denounced these criminal acts and insisted on investigating the accident and knowing the details of this appalling crime. He said that both sides are responsible for the fall of victims, adding that the bodies of the victims clearly show that they were tortured to death in a region where the gunmen seemed to be in control and that is surrounded by government forces. The British Foreign Minister accused the Syrian government of being responsible for the continuing violence in Syria, although he admitted that certain groups stand behind violence in Syria. He claimed that Britain wanted to end violence in Syria, adding that the International community focuses on ending the bloodshed in the country for now. He called for revealing what happened in al-Houla, stressing Russia and Britain's determination to implement Anan's plan which he described as "promising" , adding that the alternative to this plan would be chaos