Russia may support motion on Syria without ultimatums

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Russia may support motion on Syria without ultimatums

The Associated Press Published Thursday, April 5, 2012 6:31AM EDT

United Nations and Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, left, seen next to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their meeting in Moscow, Sunday, March 25, 2012. (AP Photo)

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - Russia's foreign minister says Moscow could support a United Nations Security Council motion on Syria if it doesn't contain ultimatums to Bashar Assad's government.

Sergey Lavrov said Thursday in Kyrgyzstan that Russia may vote in favour of a Security Council document backing U.N. envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan.

Lavrov didn't specify whether he was referring to a Council resolution or a statement, but warned that the document shouldn't contain any ultimatums or threats.

Russia and China have twice used their veto power at the Council to block U.N. resolutions containing sanctions against Assad's government over its crackdown on an uprising that killed more than 9,000 people.

But Moscow has strongly supported Annan's plan and urged Assad to take the first step to end bloodshed.