Updated on
Summary Russia says Western attempts to discuss sanctions against Syria contain elements of blackmail.
Mr Lavrov said the West had threatened to end a UN observer mission if Russia opposed its draft resolution.Peace envoy Kofi Annan is due in Moscow, and is expected to urge Russia to put more pressure on Syrias leaders to begin a political transition.Russia has strong ties with Syria and has vetoed foreign intervention calls.It has circulated its own draft resolution calling for the extension of the observer missions mandate, which runs out on Friday. It does not contain any threat of sanctions against Damascus.Mr Annans visit comes amid reports of some of the heaviest fighting in the conflict so far around Damascus.The BBCs Jim Muir says the clashes seem to be creeping ever closer to the heart of the capital and the centre of the governments power.Activists and residents reported that tanks and mortars were used on the southern edge of the city, in areas like Tadhamon and Midan and around nearby Palestinian refugee camps.A convoy of army reinforcements was reported to have been attacked by rebels in Kfar Sousa to the west, leading to further clashes there.Residents were said to be fleeing some areas, while in other parts of the city protesters blocked motorways with burning tyres.
