France accuses Syria of crimes against humanity

During talks in Moscow with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said accused the Syrian regime of committing crimes against humanity.

“The way it suppressed the popular protests is unacceptable,” Juppe said on the Syria regime forces. According to news media, Juppe expressed hope that Russia would change its stance and back UN condemnation of the crackdown.

Last week, Lavrov condemned the EU for imposing economic sanctions over Syria. But, reportedly, Lavrov gave no sign of being able to ease his country’s position: “We are convinced that the essential thing is to start dialogue at the table.”

We consider that inciting certain forces within the opposition to boycott the invitation to dialogue is a dangerous path and risks a repetition of the Libyan scenario, which neither Russia nor France wants, Lavrov added.