Damascus leans on Russia, dismisses shameful French stance Syria's deputy foreign minister lashed out at Paris on Wednesday, saying its stand on Syria was shameful, as the French parliament was debating whether to launch a military strike on the war-ridden country. He also stressed that the position of the ally Russia had not changed, despite comments by President Vladimir Putin suggesting Moscow was taking a conciliatory tone toward the West. Exclusive images and soundbites (COMPLETES VID548953_EN)