Assad rejects potential talks with opposition in Moscow

15 January 2015 | 22:18 Code : 1943142 We Suggest

The Syrian president has rejected speculations that his government would engage in direct talks with opposition groups in Moscow later this month.

Assad rejects potential talks with opposition in Moscow

Bashar al-Assad on Thursday said negotiations slated for January 26 in Russia are only a prelude for more inclusive talks with the opposition.

He added that his government is going to Russia to discuss the “foundations” for potential talks with the opposition and other stakeholders in the Syria conflict.

He made the remarks in an interview with a Czech newspaper, Literarni Noviny, in Damascus, according to the Syrian news agency, SANA.

Russian officials announced early December that they planned to launch inclusive talks on Syria after international efforts failed to bring an end to the country’s bloody conflict that has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people.

The talks, according to Moscow, were expected to include representatives from the government, the oppositions and regional players.

US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday said he supports Russia’s decision to convene such a meeting, although some US-backed Syria opposition groups continue to deny they have plans to participate.