'Syria's chemical weapons are secure'

Lavrov's remarks were among the clearest signs yet that Russia could be preparing for a Syria without Assad, as rebel pressure on the embattled leader intensifies. Over the past four weeks, fighting has reached Damascus, his seat of power, and rebels have captured a string of military bases.

Up to now, Russia has vetoed three Western-backed resolutions aimed at pressuring Syria's government to stop the violence that has killed more than 40,000 people over the past 21 months. While Russian leaders have given no concrete signs that stance has changed, their tone has shifted as rebels advance on the outskirts of the capital.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin distanced himself further than ever from the Syrian president, saying Russia does not seek to protect him and suggesting his government is growing weaker.

Speaking to reporters late on Friday, Lavrov reiterated Moscow's position that "it doesn't invite President Assad here", although he said other countries had asked Russia to convey their offer of safe passage to Assad.

"If there is anyone willing to provide him guarantees, they are welcome!" Lavrov said on board a plane returning from Brussels, where he attended a Russia-EU summit.

Lavrov said the Syrian government has pulled its chemical weapons together to one or two locations from several arsenals across the country to keep them safe amid the rebel onslaught.

"The Syrian government has concentrated the stockpiles in one or two centers, unlike in the past when they were scattered across the country," he said.

UN envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi arrived at the Syrian borders on Sunday, coming from Lebanon for a brief visit to meet with Syrian officials, mainly President Bashar al-Assad, a Lebanese border official said.

AP-Reuters