MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed that Russia is committed to its course and view of international issues despite the fact that there are those who disagree with it, stressing the need to resolve the more troublesome international issues through group efforts and mutual respect.

In an interview with the Russian TV on Sunday, Lavrov said that Russia learned a very important lesson from what happened in Libya, voicing confidence that the west is learning this lesson now.

"What is happening in Syria and Mali is a direct echo of the events in Libya," he said.

Lavrov pointed out that the Russian clear position towards Syria and Iran is based on analysis of facts and reality, and that it's hard to argue against it in form and pragmatism.

He said that contrary to the majority of other countries, Russia holds dialogue on regular bases with all sides related to the crisis in Syria, including the Syrian government and all sides of the government without exception.

H. Sabbagh