MOSCOW. April 12 (Interfax) - Russia stands against any forceful solution to the Syrian conflict; statements about possible use of force are impeding the Astana and Geneva talks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.
"The Russian point of view is that we consider any forceful solution to the Syrian conflict unacceptable," Zakharova told a briefing conference in Moscow on Thursday.
"This is our fundamental position. We are based on the notion that the 'Geneva process', the 'Astana process' and all the events meant to consolidate Syrian political oppositional and pro-government forces are key to indicating the movement toward peace in a practical sense," she said.
"Are the statements about possible forceful solution obstructing the peace process? Of course, they are. Are they encouraging extremists on the ground to continue their activities? Of course, they are. Are they encouraging militants? There is no doubt about that," Zakharova said.