Rompuy Says EU, Russia Agree Annan's Syria Plan Is 'Best Opportunity'

European Council President Herman van Rompuy

European Council President Herman van Rompuy says Moscow and the European Union "fully agree" that the peace plan brokered by United Nations-Arab league envoy Kofi Annan provides "the best opportunity" to avoid civil war in Syria.

Speaking at a summit of EU and Russian leaders in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on June 4, Rompuy said it is essential that the EU and Moscow work together to resolve the Syrian crisis.

Western governments have criticized Russia's stance on Syria after Moscow refused to back tougher measures against the Syrian government in response to last month's massacre of more than 100 people in the town Houla.

The UN and Western states have linked pro-government forces to the killing.

Moscow is a longtime ally and weapons supplier to the Syrian regime.

Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and Interfax