Russia pledges support for Syria talks

Russia's foreign minister says the country will give its full support to UN-brokered peace talks on Syria.

Russia will support the efforts of UN mediator Staffan de Mistura to promote direct and inclusive talks between the sides in Syria's conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has told de Mistura.

"As in any conflict, it is of course key that we ensure the inclusive character of the negotiations and that they are focused on promoting a direct dialogue between the two sides," Lavrov was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Tuesday.

"We will give you our full support in this," Lavrov was quoted as saying in opening remarks at a meeting with de Mistura, who was visiting Moscow.

The UN mediator said he was hopeful for a new phase in negotiations about a political transition for Syria.

So far talks in Geneva between a Syrian government delegation and the opposition have stalled because Damascus is unwilling to engage in discussions about President Bashar al-Assad possibly leaving office as part of that transition.

The talks are scheduled to resume in Geneva on April 11.

"We need to further develop the political process, to work on strengthening it, and on further progress. It is the cornerstone of our work," Interfax news agency quoted de Mistura as telling Lavrov.