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Conflict in Syria

Foreign Ministry: Moscow does not consider all those fighting against Damascus terrorists

Russia has stepped up contacts with the Syrian opposition after the multilateral talks in Vienna

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova Mikhail Japaridze/TASS

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova

© Mikhail Japaridze/TASS

MOSCOW, November 5. /TASS/. Moscow does not consider all those who took up arms against the official Damascus to be terrorists, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

"We have never said that all those involved in the Syrian conflict are terrorists," she noted. "We said that there were terrorists, extremists and there was the armed opposition."

"That was why at the Vienna meeting the lists were compiled and a common understanding was developed of who should be reckoned among terrorists," Zakharova said. "Otherwise, what was the point of compiling these lists?".

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Moscow does not confirm meeting with representatives of Free Syrian Army in Abu Dhabi

The spokeswoman didn't confirm a meeting with representatives of the Free Syrian Army in Abu Dhabi next week, but she noted that contacts may take place through the embassy.

"Our embassies maintain contacts with the Syrian opposition, this may be one of such contacts," she said. "I am unaware of the contacts through a deputy minister or a department director. Such contacts may take place through the embassy, this is routine work. We are in contact with the opposition on a daily basis."

"We have always said that we are working with a wide range of the opposition. The Russian foreign minister and his deputy have repeatedly stated that we do not rule out contacts with the Free Syrian Army. Moreover, we ask our partners to provide specific information on them, we are trying to work with them," Zakharova said.

"The Syrian opposition is multifaceted, versatile, many call themselves representatives of the Free Syrian Army. Our task is to understand who they are," the diplomat said. "We have stepped up contacts with the opposition, including in connection with the meeting in Vienna."

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