Russia's approval to Annan plan lauded by US as 'convergence of views'

Washington, Mar 21(ANI): Russia's endorsement of Kofi Annan's mediation efforts in Syria has been lauded as a positive step toward international unity by the Obama administration, even if the decision falls short to resolve a basic disagreement between the Kremlin and the West.

Russia has already vetoed against two previous resolutions by United Nations, which were critical of Syria. But this time around Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov has stated his government's willingness to support a new U.N. effort to force President Bashar Assad's regime to close down its bloody onslaught.

Lavrov added that an agreement should be reached among 'all the Syrians, the government and all opposition groups' on locking peace and starting a political dialogue, The Fox News reports.

State Department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland praised what she called an 'increasing convergence of views' in the U.N. Security Council, where veto-wielders China and Russia have been resistant to tough international action against Assad.

Nuland added a strong statement from the body could help Annan try to arbitrate a solution to the violence in Syria that has killed more than 8,000 people in the last year.

Annan's plan largely follows a proposal by Arab governments last year, before their frustration with the Assad regime's crackdown on protesters led them to join opposition and Western calls for his ouster.

It urges the government to halt violence against civilians, pull back heavy artillery from cities, ensure humanitarian and journalist access, release of political prisoners and start an authentic political dialogue. (ANI)