Lavrov: Russia, Algeria Agree on Political Solution in Syria

During a joint press conference with his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci in Moscow, Lavrov said that "the positions of Russia and Algeria with respect to the Western Sahara are identical," calling to "bring about a settlement of the conflict in this region within the framework of UN resolutions and international legitimacy."
 
Lavrov also lashed out at the double-standard policy of the Western countries in tackling the Syrian crisis, noting that they Support in Syria the same forces they fight in Mali, in reference to the France-led military operations in the African country.
 
On the other hand, the Russian minister stressed Moscow's support for the Algerian leadership in the reforms carried out in different areas, and for the Algerian scheme to make gradual changes.
 
Lavrov also pointed out that there are joint efforts with Algeria regarding the fight against terrorism.
 
For his part, Algerian Foreign Minister stressed the convergence in the views of Algeria and Russia towards the situation in Syria and the Sahel region.
Medelci hailed Russia's effort in cooperation with the United States to hold the Geneva II, stressing that "the international community must help in reaching the national reconciliation in Syria."
 
The Algerian Minister said that his country supports solving the Syrian crisis on the basis of the Geneva statement and the Russian-American initiative to hold the Geneva II.
 
On Libya, Medelci indicated that his country will do everything it can in order to assist the Libyan authorities in building state institutions and restoring security in the neighboring country.
 
Commenting on the recent events of Sidon in Lebanon, Medelci stressed his country’s respect for the right of the Lebanese authorities to launch counter-terrorism operations and defend the security of its citizens.