Russia: 'Actions in Syria are absolutely consistent with international law' - Belarusian FM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, following the joint annual session of the Collegiums of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, in Moscow, Tuesday. Makei stated that "Russia's actions in Syria are absolutely consistent with international law," recalling that military action is lawful either "by a decision of the UN Security Council or at the request of the legitimate government," the latter justifying the situation leading to Russia's intervention in Syria. Lavrov made a strong statement calling for "dialogue inside Syria". That discussion, he said, "should be inclusive as well as the external circle should include influential members" among them, such as "the Gulf countries, Egypt, Iran, and all the neighbours of Syria without exception." Regarding the issue of the Russian airbase that might be set up in Belarus, Lavrov confirmed that it was not discussed at the meeting as "our military departments are working on it."