Saudi criticizes Russia for stance over Syria crisis

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal on Sunday strongly criticized Russia's role in the Middle East, saying its support of the Syrian "regime" contributes to the suffering of the war-battered Syrian people.

Al-Faisal's comments came right after a letter sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin was read out by the deputy chief of the Arab league during the closing meeting of a two-day Arab summit which kicked off in Egypt's Red Sea Sharm el Sheikh on Saturday.

In his letter, Putin said "This summit is taking place amidst complicated political, economic and social changes in the Middle East and North Africa."

He added that Moscow shares the Arab world's ambitions to have a better future and to settle all conflicts through peaceful means, without outside intervention.

Russia has great interest in solving the crisis in Syria, Libya, and Yemen through dialogue and national reconciliations, he said.

The Saudi foreign minister asserted that Moscow's continued support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad increases the sufferings of the Syrian people.

"Russia proposes a peaceful solution, but at the same time it is arming the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad," Al-Faisal said.

Russia is accused by most of the Arab states, the U.S. and the West of backing Assad by arming his troops and providing political support to him at the United Nations Security Council.

The prolonged Syrian crisis began with anti-government protests in 2011. It rapidly evolved into armed conflicts joined by radical jihadist movements, inflicting negative impact on almost every aspect of Syrians' life. Endit