Ribal Al-Assad, Director of the ODFS, and a delegation of the National Democratic Council of Syria (NDCS) had a meeting with Mr Alexander Kramarenko, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Russia to the UK. Mr. Kramarenko has a diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. They had a wide ranging discussion on ending the violence in Syria and moving towards a transitional government.

Commenting on the meeting Ribal said:

“We were delighted and honoured to meet with Mr Kramarenko again. We had a comprehensive discussion about the Syrian conflict. Russia is a key player in the Syria crisis and all opposition groups should engage with her. We agreed that it is imperative that diplomacy be given a chance and that the action group’s plan overseen by Kofi Annan is the best way forward.

“It is vital that the all the Syrian opposition unite onto one platform and speak with one voice. This will allow them to start a process, which can lead to a national dialogue, a national unity government and a peaceful, inclusive and democratic transition. The Russian Government is well placed to play a part in facilitating this process and we look forward to working with them to achieve it. I call on both sides in the Syrian conflict to end the violence.”