Advancing democracy abroad through "iron and blood" “doesn’t work”, said Russia’s Foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov. In his speech the diplomat slammed the West’s policy towards Syria and reiterated Russia’s stance on the situation in the war-torn state.

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow’s position towards Syria and other countries in the region is not because Russia“opposes Western influence” or “puts a stick in the spokes of Western-initiated projects out of spite", but because“advancing democracy through iron and blood just does not work”.

"In most cases it produces the opposite reaction" and leads to "the strengthening of extremists and repressive forces, decreasing the chances of real democratic change," Lavrov said at a foreign policy council meeting. 

“This has been made clear in recent months – the past year-and-a-half," he added.

Lavrov recalled the results of past attempts to use force by avoiding the UN Security Council, and expressed concern that some states are trying to make the "Libyan model a precedent.

"What is worrying is that at times of crises one is tempted to resort to military methods. Some of our partners find these methods suitable," Lavrov said.

"No-one knows in the end what will happen in the Middle East, including Syria," he said.

The latest statement by Lavrov echoes President Vladimir Putin’s comments made back in July. Then Putin criticized the West for clinging to its influence in the Arab world under the guise of “humanitarian operations”, dubbing western involvement in Arab affairs as the export of “rocket and bomb democracy.”

Moscow has been repeatedly criticized for supporting Assad’s regime, including weapon and money supplies, and vetoing resolutions against government regime. Russia has denied the accusations by western powers, but says it will not allow a repeat of Libyan scenario. At the same time, Moscow insists that Assad’s resignation, something the West actively seeks, cannot be decided by foreign states, but only by the Syrian people.

• A Permanent Economic Emergency