Syrian opposition leader says he held 'constructive' talks with Lavrov

A Paris-based Syrian opposition leader met Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, on Monday to discuss ways to settle the civil war in Syria that has killed more than 70,000 people.

"We discussed the issues of the use of force, all forms of military assistance and where arms enter Syria and who they are designated to," Haytham Manna, Head of the Syrian National Coordinating Committee for Democratic Change, told media after the meeting.

"All these matters have been discussed and were part of a serious and constructive dialogue. And we think that we have reached a common ground on main points of view in all of these matters," he said.

The uprising against Assad began two years ago with largely peaceful protests, but shifted into a brutal civil war after a harsh government crackdown on dissent.

More than 70,000 people have been killed, according to UN estimates.

Russia has backed President Bashar Assad's government by using its veto at the UN Security Council to shield his regime from sanctions.

Moscow also has rejected calls for Assad to quit, saying his government and rebels should pursue talks.

Syria's opposition has criticised the West for not helping arm rebel fighters even as Russia and Iran support the regime with weapons.