Russia: Syria Ceasefire Holding despite Violations

Russia said Friday a ceasefire was generally holding in Syria despite some violations and should be seen as an achievement that was saving the country from a broader civil war.

"Despite the existing violations and provocations, the ceasefire is holding overall. This is a great achievement whose loss could lead to a dangerous retreat to a new wave of violence," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Russia's comments came one day after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on the U.N. Security Council to brand Syrian President Bashar Assad a threat to peace and authorize tough new international measures.

The Russian foreign ministry said Syria was currently facing a choice of either "moving toward a peaceful national dialogue or retreating to civil war."

"And every participant of the domestic conflict must make their choice," Russia said in comments directed at both Assad and the armed opposition.

The foreign ministry added that it also intended to soon host members of the main Syrian National Council opposition group in hopes of establishing dialogue in the 13-month conflict.