Russia cautions Brahimi against unilateral accusations over Syria

Russia on Monday cautioned UN-Arab League Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi not to take sides in the Syrian domestic conflict.

"Brahimi as an international mediator should, in line with his mandate, hold an unbiased and objective policy, encouraging the opponents to look for the common ground, a dialogue and continuation of the negotiation process," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On Saturday, Brahimi said the second round of Geneva talks had reached a deadlock after the government rejected his proposal to prioritize the creation of a transitional governing body during the next round of negotiations.

Bashar al-Jaafari, Syrian ambassador to the UN, refuted the claim, saying the Syrian government accepted the envoy's proposed agenda, "while the opposition side did not."

Moscow said one of the primary tasks of Brahimi should be helping the government and opposition in Syria to increase mutual trust, though it was an easy one.

Hailing the positive action of the Syrian government's delegation in Geneva conference, Moscow also urged Syrian parties to close ranks to counter terror threats in their country.

In June 2013, the Group of Eight nations issued a call for all confronting sides in Syria to unite for countering terrorism.