Representatives of the opposition Syrian National Council are in Moscow for talks with Russia's Foreign Minister. They have called on Russia to stop supporting the Assad regime.

Bassma Kodmani, a member of the executive bureau of the council, said: "After we learned about the documents of the Geneva talks and various other statements, it allowed us to come to conclusion that we have some similar vision and position with Russia regarding political change in Syria, but this political change should occur on the basis of removing the existing regime and pursuing political reforms."

Monzer Makhous, the council's Europe co-ordinator, said: "There are accusations towards us that if we come to power there will be no more place for Russia in the Middle East, that Russia will loose its previous positions in the Middle East. I would like to say that we are just trying to bring Russia back to the right path. We consider Russia our friend, our historical ally. Russia, as well as the former Soviet Union, has done a lot for us. We have a long-lasting and firm friendship, and that's why it's not about pushing Russia away somehow."