Russia says parliamentary election to help prevent power vacuum in Syria

The parliamentary elections in Syria could prevent a power vacuum before a new constitution is worked out and new elections are held, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

"We believe the parliamentary elections started today in Syria ensure the functioning of the Syrian government institutions set by the current constitution of the country," Lavrov said at a press conference.

Syria's parliamentary elections, which are held regularly every four years, kicked off earlier in the day, but were largely boycotted by opposition groups, which claimed that the elections contradicted intra-Syrian talks in Geneva.

Lavrov said a new round of intra-Syrian talks between the Syrian government and the opposition groups, set to resume soon, would focus on political reforms in the war-torn country.

The agenda included working out a new Syrian constitution, which would permit holding early elections, Lavrov said.

The Russian minister urged all Syrian forces to reach a common understanding.

Lavrov added that all foreign players should ensure a successful settlement process by exercising pressure on all participants in the intra-Syrian talks.

Saying that Russia dealt with both the Syrian government and the opposition, the minister blamed Western partners for being reluctant to deal with the Syrian government.

The West should assume the main responsibility for pressing the opposition, including radical forces, into accepting previously agreed conditions, Lavrov said. Endi