International peace envoy Kofi Annan was expected to head to China on Monday, March 26 after asking Russia to back his mission to end fighting in Syria despite Moscow's differences with Western and Arab states over who is to blame for the conflict. Russia said Annan had its full support and that his mission could be the last chance to avoid a protracted and bloody civil war but would need more time.
It also suggested foreign support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's foes was the main obstacle to peace, while Western and Arab officials prepared for a "Friends of Syria" meeting on ways to help the disparate opposition.
Annan's spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, said he had "very candid and comprehensive discussions" in Moscow. Annan was "grateful for Russia's firm support for his mediation efforts in order to reach a swift and peaceful solution to this bloody conflict" and asked Russia to continue providing support, Reuters reported.
It was not clear whether Moscow would increase pressure on Assad to comply with Annan's peace plan, which includes demands for a ceasefire, the immediate withdrawal of heavy armor from residential areas and access for humanitarian aid.
Russia and China have shielded Assad from UN Security Council condemnation by vetoing two Western-backed resolutions over the bloodshed, but approved a Security Council statement this week endorsing Annan's mission.
