MOSCOW. Sept 8 (Interfax) - A critical mass for the start of direct negotiations between Syria and the opposition was created during the Geneva process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.
"I see importance in stimulating the work of all mechanisms that have already been created and should function effectively," he told a press conference following negotiations with his French counterpart on Friday.
The minister spoke about the effectiveness of the Astana process, despite the existing difficulties caused by the need to look for a balance between the 'contradicting interests' of all parties.
"There are problems in the Geneva process, but a critical mass that is about to make it possible to start direct specific dialogue, negotiation process between the government and the opposition based on the agreements on the creation of de-escalation zones has already been created," Lavrov said.
"Considerable assistance in these efforts is now being provided by our partners from the region: primarily, Saudi Arabia, which has put forth an initiative to unite all opposition groups mentioned in Resolution 2254," he said.
Russia "is actively supporting these efforts, it believes it is necessary to come together on a platform that will meet the criteria outlined in Resolution 2254," he said.
The minister said that only the people of Syria can decide on their country's future, for which dialogue between Damascus and the opposition is needed.