The Assyrian Democratic Organization
MOSCOW, Russia – ADO-World.org – Russia’s envoy to Africa Mikhail Margelov called for an end to "all forms of violence" in Syria and urged talks after meeting a delegation of human rights activists from the Middle Eastern country.
"We want to see an end to all forms of violence," Margelov told reporters in Moscow today. "For us, the important thing is political dialogue."
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said last week that Syria must be pressured to end its crackdown on opposition supporters, the first time Russia has distanced itself from President Bashar al-Assad since protests against his 11-year rule began in mid- March.
At least 1,450 civilians have been killed in the unrest, according to Mahmoud Merhi, head of the Arab Organization for Human Rights, and Ammar Qurabi, head of the National Organization for Human Rights. At least 20,000 people have been detained, Qurabi said yesterday.
Putin said June 21 that Russia has no "special interests" in Syria, a Soviet-era ally, and that the Syrian leadership should stop using methods that lead to civilian deaths.
Russia changed its stance on Libya last month, calling for the first time for the departure of leader Muammar Qaddafi, who has maintained close ties with Russia.
Russia abstained from the United Nations Security Council vote in March that authorized a NATO-led military intervention in Libya and has repeatedly criticized the allies for going beyond the UN mandate aimed at protecting civilians.
The International Criminal Court yesterday issued arrest warrants for Qaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam Qaddafi and military intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi. The three men are wanted for killing, injuring, arresting and imprisoning hundreds of civilians during anti-regime protests that began in February.
–With assistance from Massoud A. Derhally in Beirut. Editors: Andrew Langley, Andrea Dudik.
