MOSCOW. June 7 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned another act of violence in Syria near the city of Hama, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said at a briefing in Moscow on Thursday.
"We most resolutely condemn these barbaric acts of violence near the city of Hama. Their perpetrators and organizers must be held to account and face the most severe punishment," he said.
Lukashevich offered condolences to the families of the civilians killed.
The global community needs to consolidate its efforts to successfully implement Kofi Annan's peace plan in response to the provocations occurring in this country, the diplomat said.
"No doubt, this is not the first time that certain forces have resorted to the most cruel and heinous provocations so as to disrupt the implementation of Kofi Annan's plan. I am certain that in the present quite difficult situation, these provocations should be responded to by a consolidation of international efforts in support of the UN - Arab League special envoy," she said.
He urged the Syrian authorities and opposition to stick to the Annan plan.
"It is necessary for the external actors involved in resolving the Syrian problem to use available channels of influence on the armed opposition groups whose recently intensified activities and calls for foreign intervention run counter to the provisions of the said plan. This will allow to prevent a repeat of the Houla and Hama tragedy," the diplomat added.