Islam Times - Russia will not create another Afghanistan for itself: Lavrov

Islam Times - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has no intention of sending troops to the crisis-hit countries in the Middle East and North Africa to avoid “another Afghanistan.”

"This is my answer to those who wonder why we are not fighting for our positions. We will not be fighting for our positions…and creating 'another Afghanistan' for ourselves. Never, under no circumstances!” Lavrov said during a televised program on Russia’s NTV television on Sunday.

The top Russian diplomat referred to the Soviet war in Afghanistan, which lasted for about a decade from 1979 to1989.

Lavrov said the Russian government would instead work diplomatically with “legitimate governments” of the countries facing social and political crises.

The diplomatic attempts would provide the stimulus for evolutionary change, the Russian minister also said.

Lavrov said Iraq today serves as a shining example of the success of this Russian policy because it was invaded by US-led forces in 2003 but has eventually turned to Moscow for assistance.

"Back in 2003, we were strongly opposed to what the Americans were doing as the coalition leader. Now we are receiving the Iraqi Prime Minister, and the Iraqi President is dealing with us,” he added.

Lavrov also highlighted the role of Russia in seeking a diplomatic solution to the months-long crisis in Syria.

“Not a single opposition figure said that the future of the country - or the region in general - can be imagined without Russia's active involvement,” he said, referring to his meeting with the head of the Syrian National Coalition Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib earlier this month.