Moscow, Nov 27 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has described France's recognition of the Syrian opposition as "highly controversial" but conceded that it is "an internal matter".
"In accordance with the principles of international law, which have been approved by the UN, no country, no nation, no government should take action aimed at the violent change of a political regime in any other country," Medvedev told French media Monday on the eve of his visit to Paris.
However, he added: "Right now, I don't want to say who is right, and who is wrong."
France became the first European country to openly back Nov 13 the new Syrian National Coalition, formed Nov 11, noting that it would also help arm the rebels.
Since then, the European Union, as well as Turkey and a number of Arab League states, also announced it would back the coalition as "the legitimate representative" of the Syrian people.