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EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton (L) enters the hall with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, 17 November 2011. EPA/BGNES
EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton and Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov came out with conflicting messages on violence in Syria after meeting in Moscow Thursday.
"It's time for President Bashar Al-Assad to stand down," said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, saying that the Union will keep up pressure on the Syrian government.
At the same time, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lavrov opposed international calls for Assad to step down, nevertheless calling for democratization and the stopping of violence.
Lavrov went on to argue that Syria could be on the brink of "civil war", given that peaceful protesters are joined by what he believes to be militant groups.
"It is no secret that together with the peaceful demonstrations that we understand and support, armed groups are becoming ever more prominent in the events," said the Russian foreign minister.
"These groups have goals that have nothing to do with the democratization of Syria," added Lavrov.
Last Saturday the Arab League suspended the membership of Syria and vowed to impose sanctions on the country, in a move immediately backed by the European Union.
A group of Members of the European Parliament has raised concerns over the potential leakage of confidential EU information to Russia, urging stronger safeguards within the European Parliament
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has carried out a series of coordinated investigative actions across several countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, as part of a probe into suspected large-scale fraud involving EU funds
The caretaker government has approved a decision endorsing the Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Mercosur bloc
US Vice President JD Vance launched a sharp attack on the European Union during a visit to Budapest, accusing Brussels of interfering in Hungary’s election just days before a closely contested vote that could reshape the country’s political landscape
Unemployment in the euro area edged up slightly in February, reaching 6.2% compared to the record low of 6.1% recorded in January, according to figures released by Eurostat
Bulgaria has formally requested assistance from the European Union to counter potential foreign interference and disinformation campaigns ahead of its upcoming parliamentary elections
NEW POLL: HUNGARIANS UNITED ON NEED FOR A ‘DIFFERENT’ RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EU, BUT DIVERGENCES REMAIN ON UKRAINE
The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an “Easter ceasefire” in the war in Ukraine, declaring a temporary halt in hostilities lasting around 36 hours
A group of Members of the European Parliament has raised concerns over the potential leakage of confidential EU information to Russia, urging stronger safeguards within the European Parliament
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has formally enacted legislation withdrawing the country from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), marking a decisive step in Chisinau’s gradual disengagement from Russian-led structures
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has carried out a series of coordinated investigative actions across several countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, as part of a probe into suspected large-scale fraud involving EU funds
A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has coincided with escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has moved to tighten control over one of the world’s most critical maritime routes
Aniventure Comic Con Returns to Bulgaria with Star Guest Christopher Judge!
Global Fuel Shock: Oil Jumps Over 40% Since Iran War Began
