Sergey lavrov russia talks syria moscow

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Russia invites Syrians, opposition to Moscow for talks

Aims to defuse escalating Syria crisis, but opposition rejects offer.

Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov says Syria arms sales are for "external threats"

In Duma address, FM said stance is rooted in "respect" for law.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks at his press conference in Moscow , on January 18, 2012. Lavrov accused today Western powers of trying to 'suffocate' the Iranian economy and incite popular discontent with new sanctions such as a proposed oil embargo. AFP PHOTO / YURI KADOBNOV

Yuri Kadobnov

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