Russian FM warns of degradation of situation in Middle East

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned of the degradation of the situation in the Middle East.

The rising tensions in several countries of the Middle East could pose a serious threat to the interests of Russia, Lavrov said.

"Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya are in flames, there is unrest in many other countries. Further degradation of the situation there [in the Middle East] could have a serious negative impact on international stability, hurt the interests of many countries, including Russia, the southern borders of which are very close," Lavrov said.

Lavrov added that Russia is taking the necessary steps to contribute to the political resolution of conflicts in the Middle East and has contributed to a range of international efforts to the effect.