Russia concerned about foreign meddling in Syria

Russian Consul-General in Iran's Northern City of Rasht Maxim Baranov underscored his country's support for the Syrian government, and said that Moscow is concerned about foreign meddling in Syria. "Russia is concerned that foreign meddling in Syria and collapse of that government will further spread the conflicts (in the country)," Baranov told FNA on Saturday. He said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is of the opinion that the only solution to the Syrian crisis is negotiations between the government in Damascus and the opposition forces. "(Sergei) Lavrov believes that there will be no winner in the Syria conflict and destabilizing the country benefits many of those who want to lessen the number of big and influential countries in the region," Baranov added. Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011 with organized attacks by well-armed gangs against the Syrian police, border guards, statesmen, army and the civilians being reported across the country. Thousands of people have been killed since terrorist and armed groups turned protest rallies into armed clashes. The government blames outlaws, saboteurs, and armed terrorist groups for the deaths, stressing that the unrest is being orchestrated from abroad.