Moscow: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to send military observers to Syria to ensure security for efforts to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons. But he says Russia is not considering sending a full military contingent. Under a US-Russian plan, Syria is to give up its chemical weapons. Security is one of the plan's major challenges, including how to prevent theft of the weapons. Lavrov says Russia has proposed that there be an international presence on the perimeter of all areas where chemical weapons experts will work in Syria.

In comments reported by Russian news agencies on Sunday, Lavrov said "We are ready to share our servicemen and military police to participate in these forces" but "it seems to me that military observers will be sufficient." Lavrov said the OPCW is "about to make a decision" on Syria but the process is threatened by the "arrogant position of some Western partners". "They need Chapter VII, which presumes applying pressure on violators of international law, including sanctions and the possibility of using force," he said.