MOSCOW. Aug 4 (Interfax) - Russia considers the UN Security Council's statement calling on outside sources to refrain from interference in the situation in Syria important, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"Moscow is convinced that the situation in that country should be settled by the Syrians themselves, without interference from the outside and based on common Syrian dialog, which is the only way to settle the crisis. It is important that such a position has been reflected in a statement on Syria by the UN Security Council president, which the council passed on Wednesday," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.
"Russia will continue to insist on accelerating long-awaited political and socioeconomic transformations in Syria on the basis of profound reforms declared by the country's government through ruling out violence, looking for common national accord and an inclusive political process," it said.
The UN Security Council adopted its president's official statement on Syria on August 3, which condemns the widespread violation of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the country's security forces, calls for an end to the violence and urges all sides to act with restraint and refrain from reprisals, including attacks against state institutions.
The statement also insists that the Syrians themselves should start a comprehensive national political process and carry out reforms as soon as possible.
"It is critical that [the statement] reaffirms the UN Security Council's commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.