Russia warns strikes on Syria would destabilise region

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned against a military solution to the Syria conflict, saying it would destabilise the country and the Middle East region, the foreign ministry saidWednesday.

   

In a telephone conversation with UN-Arab League Syria envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, Lavrov "emphasised the lack of alternative to adiplomatic solution and that attempts for a military solution will lead only to a further destabilisation of the situation in the country and the region," the ministry said.

   

It said both Brahimi and Lavrov agreed "that at this critical moment all sides -- including external players -- must act with the maximum responsibility and not repeat the mistakes of the past."

   

- Sapa-AFP