Russia says Syrian opposition needs to back Annan

The Syrian opposition needs to follow official Damascus in supporting UN envoy Kofi Annan’s plan for negotiating an end to the bloody standoff in the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, RIA Novosti reports.

The Damascus-backed six-point plan allows for “realization of the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians while respecting the country’s sovereignty and independence, with consolidated backing of the entire global community,” ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.

“It’s crucial in this context that Syrian opposition groups follow Damascus’ example and clearly state their support of the UN Security Council-backed proposal” to mediate the conflict, Lukashevich said in a statement .