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Russian diplomat: Damascus confirms participation in intra-Syrian talks in Geneva

"We have understanding that the Syrian side will be represented by Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says

MOSCOW, March 11. /TASS/. Syria’s government has confirmed its participation in a new round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday.

"Damascus said it long ago and has confirmed it by its actions that it is taking part in these talks," she said. "We see no statements about its refusal. We proceed from the fact that this decision has been taken and will be implemented. So, we hope there will be no information provocations."

"From the point of view of Damascus’ intention and plans to take part in these talks, we have fixed it and it has been confirmed," the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said. "We have understanding that the Syrian side will be represented by Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations."

Apart from that, she said Russia’s moderator of the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva will be Vitaly Naumkin, a research manager of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies.

"As we know, and it has been confirmed by the United Nations, it is planned to hold another round of United Nations-brokered indirect talks between Damascus and various representatives of the opposition, with participation of [United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Syria] Staffan de Mistura," she said. "These contacts will be carried under facilitation of moderators. The Russian side will be represented Vitaly Naumkin, an acclaimed expert in Oriental studies."