00:58Switzerland: Russia could host Syrian opposition talks, says Bogdanov
Switzerland: Russia could host Syrian opposition talks, says Bogdanov
Russia is ready to host informal talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces, deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said in Geneva on Wednesday. Following a series of meetings with representatives of opposition factions, Bogdanov expressed postivity about the 'atmosphere of communication', despite Tuesday's failure to agree a timetable for peace talks.
"Today, during our contacts with the opposition leaders, we discussed our proposal to host informal contacts between Syrian factions here in Moscow," said Mr. Bogdanov. "A platform where members of different opposition groups could come together to discuss the situation and agree on the solutions to the burning issues that the Syrian people is facing."
"We hope that we will get in contact with the National Coalition. We are inviting them to Moscow, too. We are prepared to meet with them, to exchange ideas on the territory of other states, too. Earlier, we suggested a meeting in Geneva, and it is likely that such meetings will take place soon."
Bogdanov spoke with representatives of the National Coordination Committee, Kurdish Democratic Union, National Democratic Alliance and Syrian People's Democratic Coalition. The minister also expressed his hope that chemical weapons inspections would remain on track for completion in mid-2014.
00:58Switzerland: Russia could host Syrian opposition talks, says Bogdanov
Russia is ready to host informal talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces, deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said in Geneva on Wednesday. Following a series of meetings with representatives of opposition factions, Bogdanov expressed postivity about the 'atmosphere of communication', despite Tuesday's failure to agree a timetable for peace talks.
"Today, during our contacts with the opposition leaders, we discussed our proposal to host informal contacts between Syrian factions here in Moscow," said Mr. Bogdanov. "A platform where members of different opposition groups could come together to discuss the situation and agree on the solutions to the burning issues that the Syrian people is facing."
"We hope that we will get in contact with the National Coalition. We are inviting them to Moscow, too. We are prepared to meet with them, to exchange ideas on the territory of other states, too. Earlier, we suggested a meeting in Geneva, and it is likely that such meetings will take place soon."
Bogdanov spoke with representatives of the National Coordination Committee, Kurdish Democratic Union, National Democratic Alliance and Syrian People's Democratic Coalition. The minister also expressed his hope that chemical weapons inspections would remain on track for completion in mid-2014.