Russia accuses West of instigating Syrian opposition fighting

Russia accused Western powers of "openly groups to take up arms in their fight to unseat President Bashar Assad.

Russia accused Western powers of "openly instigating" Syrian opposition groups to take up arms in their fight to unseat President Bashar 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 despite an international outcry.