the FSA rebels, a lose umbrella of anti-regime forces that have formed alliances with more radical and powerful Islamist groups to fight both "IS" and Assad, accuse Russia of primarily targeting rebels instead of IS.

They accuse Russia of only bolstering government forces backed up by Lebanese Hezbollah fighters, Iranian troops and the Iraqi Shiite militia.

"Instead of talking about their willingness to support the Free Syrian Army, they should stop bombing it," said Samir Nashar, a member of the Syrian National Coalition, the opposition's main political body.

"Russia must firstly stop bombing the headquarters of the Free Army before offering air support that we haven't asked for," said Fares Bayoush, the head of the FSA-affiliated group Fursan al-Haq.

Elections

Lavrov also mentioned the possibility of holding elections and reaching a political solutionforce Assad to first step down. "Holding elections is illogical and unrealistic because the Syrian people is displaced, disappeared in prisons, or pursued by the regime," he said.

Setting the stage?

The rebels and their Gulf and Turkish backers argue Assad must first step down to reach a political solution. Russia is concerned that if Assad steps down it could create a power vacuum and insists he should be part of a political transition and fight against IS.

The United States and some European states say Assad may be able to play a role in a political transition but must ultimately step down and are against any government role in defeating IS.

Lavrov's interview was broadcast a day after he met with his Saudi, Turkish and US counterparts in an effort to