Russia has accused Western powers of "openly instigating" Syrian opposition groups to take up arms in their fight to unseat President Bashar al Assad.
Moscow has been Syria's key protector throughout the 17-month uprising that has evolved into a full-blown civil war, shielding Mr Assad's regime from international sanctions and providing it with weapons.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said the West "has done nothing" to urge the Syrian opposition to start dialogue with the government.
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