Russia sees talking of UN sanctions against Syria "untimely"

Moscow finds it untimely to talk about potential UN sanctions against Damascus before investigators submit a report on alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov said Wednesday.

"This is, at least, untimely to discuss any reaction of the UN Security Council before UN experts working in Syria submit a report," Interfax news agency quoted the diplomat as saying.

Titov said Moscow supported a statement made by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday that searching for a diplomatic solution to the Syrian conflict should continue.

"Give peace (in Syria) a chance, give diplomacy a chance. Stop fighting and start talking," Ban Ki-moon said during a ceremony in Hague marking the centennial anniversary of the Peace Palace there.

Russia has repeatedly admonished against possible military intervention in the Syrian crisis, stressing that such attempts would undermine efforts for a political settlement.

The situation over Syria deteriorated gravely due to moves and statements made by several countries lately.