Russia repeats warning on arming Syrian rebels

Russia’s foreign minister has again warned other nations not to arm the Syrian opposition, saying it would only escalate hostilities and that the rebels could not win a civil war.

It came as fighting continued yesterday despite government claims that it had begun a troop withdrawal ahead of the deadline to implement the international plan.

Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the Syrian opposition wouldn’t be able to overwhelm government forces even if it was supplied with weapons from abroad. He warned that a foreign military intervention would lead to even more disastrous consequences for the country.

“Even if they arm the Syrian opposition to the teeth, it won’t be able to defeat the Syrian army,” Mr Lavrov said. “The carnage will go on for many years.”

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have backed the idea of arming the opposition against President Bashar Assad’s government, but the West remains opposed.

Mr Lavrov reaffirmed that Mr Assad needs to take the first step to end bloodshed, but all international players need to back Kofi Annan’s proposals.

Troops clashed with army defectors and shelled rebellious districts in the central city of Homs yesterday. Activists said the renewed violence proved Mr Assad’s regime was not serious about implementing the cease-fire brokered by former UN chief Mr Annan.