The Secretary-General met today, 16 February 2012, with H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
 
They exchanged views on the situation in Syria. The Secretary-General emphasized the need for an urgent end to the violence and bloodshed. He said that it was vital to establish humanitarian access as soon as possible while the search for a political solution to the crisis continues. The Secretary-General said the United Nations was reviewing all options for any eventual decision by Member States in addressing these issues in Syria.
 
The Secretary-General encouraged Russia’s support to the Rio+20 sustainable development process.