Russia says Annan's mission offers last chance

MOSCOW - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Sunday the mission of Kofi Annan, the UN-Arab League joint envoy on Syiria may be the last chance for Syria to avoid a civil war.

"The Annan mission, perhaps, is the last chance for Syria to avoid a long period civil war," Medvedev said in a meeting with Annan.

The Russian president also said that Moscow will offer its help to resolve the Syrian conflict in a peaceful way.

Medvedev hailed the former UN secretary-general's peacemaking efforts.

"We very much appreciate your intermediary efforts in solving Syrian problems," the president said, adding he hopes such efforts would bring "positive results".

Annan said he would make very endeavor to ensure access to humanitarian aid for strife-torn Syria. He thanked Russia's involvement in the Syrian issue and support for his mission.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (L) talks with UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan during their meeting in Moscow March 25, 2012.  [Photo/Agencies]