Russia: Lavrov and Saudi's al-Jubeir disagree about Syria and Assad

Any speculations, comments, or opinions from unknown sources about a change in the Kingdom's position towards Syria have no basis and are fabricated." *TRANSLATION AT SOURCE* Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke of the difference of approach between Russia and Saudi Arabia regarding the Syrian conflict, during a joint press conference with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, in Moscow, Tuesday. Lavrov stated that "one of the disagreements concerns the future of President Assad." Lavrov reiterated the Russian position that "all the regulation issues, including transitional period parameters and political reforms should be settled by the Syrians." Al-Jubeir, on the other hand, spoke in a bid to clarify the Saudi Arabian position, which he stated had not changed, despite reports to the contrary, which he said had "no basis and are fabricated." The Saudi foreign minister then stated to the room "[t]here is no place for Assad in Syria's future." The two top diplomats, however, expressed support for a political solution to the conflict in the longer-term. Al-Jubeir also expressed the Saudi Kingdom's support for the "governmental and military institutions and structures" of Syria.