DHAKA: Russia hopes the UN Security Council will reach agreement this week on a resolution supporting a deal for Syria to abandon its chemical weapons, but there is no guarantee.

Russia deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday, reports The Straits Times.

Ryabkov, speaking in the Russian parliament, reiterated that Russia would not accept a resolution that would trigger automatic punitive measures in the event of Syrian non-compliance with its obligations.

BDST: 2024 HRS, SEPT 24, 2013
RoR/RK