Smarting from criticism that Russia is soft on the Assad regime after it vetoed United Nations sanctions against Damascus, Mr Medvedev insisted Moscow wanted the bloody government clampdown on pro-democracy activists to end.
"Russia wants as much as the other countries for Syria to end the bloodshed and demands that the Syrian leadership conduct the necessary reforms," he said.
"(But) if the Syrian leadership is unable to undertake these reforms it will have to go."
His comments echoed remarks made by Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, and will be interpreted as a sign that Moscow is beginning to lose patience with its old ally.
The UN estimates that nearly 3,000 people have lost their lives since the Assad regime began cracking down on protests in mid-March with tanks and troops. Mr Assad has promised reform but the crackdown has continued unabated with little sign of genuine reform. » | Andrew Osborn, Moscow | Friday, October 07, 2011
