OREANDA-NEWS  Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, discussed in Moscow on Monday the tasks of mobilizing international assistance to overcome the consequences of the earthquake in Syria, the Russian diplomatic department reported.

"There was a detailed exchange of views on the current situation in and around Syria. Special attention was paid to the urgent humanitarian tasks of mobilizing international assistance, including to overcome the consequences of the earthquake, providing comprehensive support to all needy and affected Syrians without discrimination, politicization and preconditions," the commentary published on the ministry's website says.

It is noted that the Russian side stressed the importance of coordinating and coordinating the efforts of UN specialized agencies with Damascus, as stipulated by UN General Assembly resolution 46/182, as well as respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. "The imperative was noted to lift all illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria that hinder humanitarian activities and have a negative impact on the lives of ordinary citizens," the document says.