Medvedev spoke forcefully about the situation on Thursday, saying Russia’s perspective could change.

Speaking in the southern resort of Sochi, Medvedev said “unfortunately, people die (in Syria) in large numbers. This arouses enormous concern from us.”

He called on Assad to “carry out urgent reforms, come to terms with the opposition, restore peace and create a modern state.”

“If he cannot do this, a sad fate awaits him, and in the end we will have to take some decision. We are watching the way the situation develops. As it changes, some of our perspectives also change.”

Source: AFP

Commenting on the Russian President’s statement, ODFS Director Ribal Al-Assad, said:

“I welcome the Russian President’s intervention and comments on Syria. I call on the regime to immediately end the brutality, to engage in genuine dialogue with the democratic opposition and to implement tangible reforms.”