As diplomacy to end the Syria crisis escalates, peace envoy Lakhar Brahimi on Thursday called for the installation of a transitional government in Syria that would run the country until elections could be held.
Brahimi's comments come as a Syrian envoy was in Moscow where Russia said Thursday that it was intensifying its efforts to end bloodshed in Syria.
Brahimi, who plans to be in Russia on Saturday for talks on Syria, told reporters in Damascus that a transition period must not lead to a collapse of the state or state institutions.
Brahimi commented as he wrapped up his latest trip to Syria, which included talks with President Bashar al-Assad.