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Lavrov tells de Mistura Geneva talks will not be successful without Syrian opposition

Sergey Lavrov believes intra-Syrian talks due to be held in Geneva on February 23 will yield no success if they don’t involve all Syrian opposition groups

MOSCOW, February 16. /TASS/. Intra-Syrian talks due to be held in Geneva on February 23 will yield no success if they don’t involve all Syrian opposition groups, the Russian foreign ministry said on Thursday quoting Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying at a meeting with United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura.

"The Russian side once again stressed that the forthcoming intra-Syrian talks must be held within the parameters outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 which envisages a maximum inclusive and equal character of participation of various segments of the Syrian opposition," the ministry said. "It will be impossible to ensure success of the forthcoming Geneva round without due representation of all opposition groups, including the Moscow, Cairo, Astana and Hmeymim groups, and the Kurds."