Russia opposes a draft UN resolution to extend the mandate of an international inquiry into chemical weapons attacks in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday.

Ryabkov's comments came hours after Russia rejected a report by the international inquiry blaming the Syrian government for a deadly toxic gas attack, casting doubt on the UN Security Council's ability to extend the investigation's mandate before it expires next week.

Russia last month cast a veto at the United Nations Security Council against renewing the investigation's mandate.

"I stress that we are in no way raising the question of ending this structure's activities," RIA state news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying. "We are in favour of its maintenance, but on a different basis."