The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia will continue contacts with the government and opposition in Syria to launch a political process conducted by the Syrians only with commitment to Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The meeting of the Syrian opposition in Cairo has drawn attention because it came after Geneva meeting on Syria," Alexander Lukashevich, the official Spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

He added Cairo meeting witnessed disagreements and withdrawals where the Russian Ambassador in Cairo explained to the participants Russia's principled stances towards events in the country and means of settling the situation there.

"It is very important for the Syrian opposition groups to unify ranks as soon as possible, based on one factor that there is no substitute to the peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria in light of the international law principles," Lukashevich said.

Using Civilians as Human shields by gunmen in Homs unacceptable

In a relevant context, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the use of the peaceful people as human shields by gunmen in Homs is unacceptable.

"Moscow receives with big concern information about the difficult situation of hundreds of civilians who were obliged to remain in Homs after they were detained by the armed groups," the Ministry added in a statement.

"It is not acceptable to use civilians as human shields.. we call on all Syrian sides and the foreign players who have influence on the opposition to take effective steps to stop the suffering of Homs besieged inhabitants," the statement underlined.

Russian Foreign Ministry: Leadership in Syria is Determined by the Syrians Only

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Wednesday said that the matter of taking office in Syria should determined by the Syrians themselves.

Russia Today TV quoted Ryabkov as saying that Russia is not discussing the "future of the Syrian President" with the USA as some media outlets have alleged, adding that this matter is determined by the Syrian people.