Russia Warns Against Foreign Intervention In Syria

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks at a news conference in Almaty on May 13.

Russia has warned against foreign intervention in Syria, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calling on the Syrian opposition not to seek a repeat of the "Libya scenario."

Lavrov told Russian reporters during a visit to Kazakhstan that the process of reconciliation and dialogue in Syria was being "slowed down by a desire of some participants to attract foreign forces to support their actions."

Lavrov also called for negotiations as soon as possible between Libyan rebels and leader Muammar Qaddafi.

A NATO-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes against targets of Qaddafi's regime in a campaign that has been criticized by Moscow.

Lavrov also said Iran must engage in "serious conversation" with global powers to dispel concerns it could be seeking nuclear weapons, adding, "We all want to be 100 percent certain that there is no military element" in Iran's nuclear program."

compiled from agency reports