You're reading: Officials: Annan backs Moscow’s proposal to extend UN observer mission in Syria

UN Envoy Kofi Annan supported Russia's proposal to extend the UN observer mission in Syria.

The mission’s mandate runs out on July 21.

“The situation surrounding the possibility of prolonging the UN presence in Syria was discussed. We think that it is playing an important and constructive role in stabilizing the situation,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told Interfax on Tuesday.

“Kofi Annan shares this opinion and supports us. It is necessary to make the most of it,” he said following negotiations between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Annan in Moscow on Monday.