DHAKA: There is a still a chance for peace in Syria and the world must not let it pass, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying on Thursday.

Speaking to students in Kazakhstan, Lavrov welcomed the Syrian government’s acceptance of Russia’s proposal that Damascus place its chemical weapons under international control.

‘I am certain that there’s a chance for peace in Syria,’ he said, adding a warning that military intervention would further destabilise Syria and the region, Interfax news agency reported, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Lavrov was to travel to Geneva later on Thursday for talks with US state secretary John Kerry about the Russian proposal, which has prompted president Barack Obama to ask Congress to postpone a vote to authorise a strike on Syria.

BDST: 1806 HRS, SEPT 12, 2013
RoR/Jck