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Conflict in Syria

Suggested date for starting inter-Syrian talks January 1 — Russian Foreign Ministry

It was reported last week that the Syrian opposition established the Supreme Committee for Negotiations

© Valeriy Sharifulin/TASS

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The suggested date for launching negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition in 1 January 2016, Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

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This is a "suggested date established as a reference point that was discussed by participants in the meeting of the International Syria Support Group," Zakharova said. "These issues are discussed daily. Of course, it would be great to reach agreements as soon as possible. However, we understand very well that this is a very complicated process. The resolution is being reached at a slower pace than we would want," she added.

It was reported last week that the Syrian opposition established the Supreme Committee for Negotiations. The committee will delegate 15 representatives to talks with the Syrian government planned to start in January 2016 under the UN auspices. Sources reported that the opposition did not set the timeframe for negotiations with the government leaving it to UN special envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura.

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