Syrian Opposition Dismisses Assad’s Promises of Dialogue, Cooperation

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Similarly, Walid al-Bunni, a senior member of the opposition Syrian National Council, told Reuters: "The crimes that have been committed have left no room for Bashar al-Assad to remain ruler of Syria.”

Lavrov went to Syria immediately after Russia and China caused an international outrage by vetoing a resolution by the United Nations Security Council to condemn the Syrian regime.

The Russian foreign minister called for dialogue between Assad’s government and opposition members.

"We have every reason to believe that the signal that we've brought here to move along in a more active manner along all directions has been heard," he said.

"In particular, President Assad assured [us] that he is fully committed to the task of a cessation of violence, from whatever source it comes."

Lavrov also called for a solution based on a prior peace proposal by the Arab League, but did not indicate that he supported the League’s demand that Assad step down and relinquish power to a deputy.

The U.S. also rejected the notion that Assad is committed to any meaningful changes in Syria.

“Russia must realize that betting everything on Assad is a recipe for failure, not just for Russia's interests in Syria but for the stability of the region and for Syria's future,” said White House spokesman, Jay Carney, in a statement.

Assad is becoming increasingly isolated. On Tuesday, Persian Gulf states recalled their ambassadors from Damascus and expelled Syrian envoys from their countries, on the heels of similar steps taken by the U.S. and other western nations.