Russia And U.S. Try To Solve Syrian Problem

Representatives of the U.S. and Russia met in Dublin on Thursday to discuss Syria’s civil war, Reuters reported.

In the meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Clinton said: “Events on the ground in Syria are accelerating…The pressure against the regime in and around Damascus seems to be increasing.”

The two countries have held opposing positions over the 20-month Syrian conflict, with Russia supporting President Bashar al-Assad and Washington seeking his removal.

But commentators say Russia’s support might be waning, following recent comments by the head of President Putin’s party, Vladimir Vasiliyev.

According to Interfax news agency, Vasillyev said: “We have shared and continue to share the opinion that the existing government in Syria should carry out its functions, but time has shown that this task is beyond its strength.”

While no breakthroughs were made on Thursday, Lakhdar Brahimi, the U.N. mediator who convened the meeting, said: “We have agreed that we must continue to work together to see how we can find creative ways of bringing this problem under control and hopefully starting to solve it.”

Later on Thursday, rebel spokesman Abu Nidal, said opposition fighters were manoeuvring to mount a blockade on Damascus airport to increase pressure on the regime.

“We know that arms have been going to the regime through the civilian airport,” he said.