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RF plans to accept several Syrian opposition delegations till New Year

“There are forces among the opposition that favour the political settlement,” Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said

MOSCOW, December 3 (Itar-Tass) — Russia is planning to accept several delegations of the Syrian opposition in Moscow till New Year, presidential special representative for the Middle East, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.

In an exclusive interview with Itar-Tass on Monday, Bogdanov said, “I believe that several delegations of the Syrian opposition will arrive in Moscow till New Year. We are planning to hold contacts and convince them to unite on a contrastive base in compliance with the Geneva communique.”

The diplomat explained that representatives of the internal Syrian opposition would arrive in Moscow. At the same time, he said, “These are internal groups and they have their representatives abroad. We hope that we will be able to accept them till New Year.”

The presidential special envoy said Russia “has always called for unifying the opposition on a constructive base and in compliance with the Geneva communique”. “There are forces among the opposition that favour the political settlement,” Bogdanov said.

At the same time, he stressed, “Many people say no talks are needed. The use of force is indispensable.” “We oppose such approach because the bloodshed will continue. And this is the very dangerous development of the situation,” the Russian diplomat added.

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