Russia surprised by Egypt's severance of ties with Syria

Moscow was surprised by Cairo's decision to cut off diplomatic relations with Damascus, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday. "This quite unexpected decision of the Egyptian leadership would unlikely demonstrate Egypt's positive role in the regional efforts to settle the Syrian problem," spokesman Alexander Lukashevich told reporters. Russia perceived Cairo's move as a strange one, he added. The spokesman said Moscow has been waiting for clarifications from Egypt over the decision. On Sunday, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi said his country has severed relations with the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and closed its embassy in Damascus. Morsi also said Egypt has rejected any military or political interference in Syria and appealed for the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone over Syria. Russia said on Monday that it would not allow a no-fly zone in Syria.