The Syrian Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister has noted the direct implications on the Syrian people of European sanctions imposed on the country. He expressed appreciation for the work of international ogranisations that are working in Syria. He reiterated Syria’s commitment to ensure the success of Kofi Annan’s peace plan. 1 The Syrian opposition on the other hand has decried claims that the plan is being implemented. The United States has also said that President Bashar al-Assad has not done enough to implement the plan. 2

Meanwhile, Russia has announced that it will not change its position on Syria under the influence of external pressure. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, stated at a news conference in Beijing that Russia wants to find a peaceful solution to the crisis and will support implementation of the plans of UN and Arab League special envoy, Kofi Annan. 3

In other developments, amidst the violence, elections were held for the People’s Assembly on May 7. The Syrian news agency SANA reported large turnout at the polls. Government officials stated that the increasing turnout indicated Syrians’ desire to ‘continue the reform process’ led by President Assad. 4

• 1. “Syrian deputy foreign minister slams "inhumane" European sanctions”, SANA news agency website, May 8, 2012
• 2. “Syrian opposition decries claim Annan's plan is on track”, Al-Sharq al-Awsat website, May 5, 2012
• 3. “Russia will not change position on Syria under external pressure – Lavrov”, RIA Novosti news agency, May 10, 2012
• 4. “Syria interior minister says necessary measures taken to ensure safe, free polls”, SANA news agency website, May 6, 2012; “Syrians turn out in large numbers for parliamentary polls - SANA website”, SANA news agency website, May 7, 2012