OREANDA-NEWS  Russia is alarmed by the situation in Syria and calls for an early cease-fire between the warring factions. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, in a statement published on the website of the Foreign Ministry.

"We are alarmed by the sharp escalation of the situation in Syria. In these critical circumstances, we call on all reputable Syrian leaders capable of influencing the further development of the situation on the ground to do everything possible to end the bloodshed as soon as possible," the statement said.

Zakharova stressed that Russia is committed to the principles of democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity. She noted that all internal political issues in Syria should be resolved taking into account these fundamentals.

Earlier, representatives of the Alawite religious group rebelled against the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham organization that seized power in Syria (HTS, recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia). The clashes between the sides began on March 6 in Latakia. Soon, unrest occurred in other cities of Syria, including Jabla and Khmeimim, where the Russian-owned air base is located. At this point in time, the new authorities have sent forces to suppress the rebellion.