Russia: Medvedev Says Annan Mission Is ‘Last Chance’ For Syria

Kofi Annan’s mission may be the last chance to avoid a bloody civil war in Syria, said Russia’s President Dmitri Medvedev during his talks with Special Envoy of the UN and the Arab League. Kofi Annan discussed for two days in Moscow plans to resolve the crisis in Syria.

During the meeting, Medvedev conveyed to Annan the Russian position towards the conflict. “We appreciate your efforts at the highest level. This is probably the last chance for Syria to avoid a bloody civil war. Your mission will be successful and we intend to support you in every way,” the Russian leader stated.

Kofi Annan in response thanked President Medvedev for his support:

Annan has proposed general principles for settlement of the Syrian crisis namely the cessation of violence by all parties involved, the establishment of a monitoring mechanism, free access to all Syrians to humanitarian assistance and the beginning of a political dialogue between the Syrians. The members of the UN Security Council unanimously endorsed these proposals.

Given the position of the Syrian leadership, Moscow believes that Annan’s mission is primarily to convince the opponents of Bashar Assad to get to the negotiating table to reach a compromise with the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood leaders said Sunday they are willing to share power and respect the democratic rules, after the overthrow of the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

The leader of the Islamist movement, Mohammad Riad Al Shakfa, said during a press conference in Istanbul: “We want a democratic Syria, and we will not attempt to exercise power alone, he said.

The number 2 in the movement, Khalid Farouk Monir, for his part, described as “good news” reports that the U.S. wants to assist non-Syrian military rebels. “This is good news, a good measure to help the rebels,” he told AFP.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to assist non-Syrian military rebels, including in communications equipment and medical equipment, said Sunday the assistant adviser to the U.S. National Security United, Ben Rhodes.