MOSCOW. July 22 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has called for diplomatic dialogue between Washington and Damascus to settle issues causing U.S. concerns over Syria.
Taking questions from the press in Moscow on Tuesday, he refrained from commenting on Washington's accusations leveled against Syria.
"It is difficult for me to comment on the statements (made by the U.S. regarding Syria - Interfax), as I do not possess the information on which these statements were based," Ivanov said.
The minister noted that, during his recent trip to Syria, he was strongly convinced that the Syrian leadership is willing to enter into negotiations with Israel to reach a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East.
"It is precisely dialogue and negotiations that would be the best form for dispelling the sides' concerns if they arise," Ivanov said.
"We know that Washington has expressed certain concerns about Syria, and we assume that, given that the two countries maintain diplomatic relations, concerns should be discussed via diplomatic channels. This is the most efficient and most acceptable form of relations between sovereign states," Ivanov said.