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Conflict in Syria

Moscow group of Syrian opposition seeks equal rights at Geneva talks

The Moscow group of Syria’s opposition is not planning to accept a status of advisers as proposed by the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria

Qadri Jamil EPA/SALVATORE DI NOLFI

Qadri Jamil

© EPA/SALVATORE DI NOLFI

GENEVA, February 20. /TASS/. The Moscow group of Syria’s opposition insists on equal rights with other participants of the Geneva talks and is not planning to accept a status of advisers as proposed by the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, representative of the group Qadri Jamil told TASS.

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"It is still unclear if we participate in the Geneva talks as the conditions are not yet ripe," said Jamil, who is also leader of Syria’s Popular Front for Change and Liberation. "The invitation that De Mistura has sent to us is ambiguous and unclear."

"We are discussing this situation. We will come if he invites us as a delegation having equal rights with the Riyadh group, since no single delegation has been created. But no way as guests and advisers," he said, adding that "everything will be clear by the end of the day."

Earlier on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called to ensure the inclusive representation of the Syrian opposition at the talks in Geneva. Russia’s top diplomat said it is unacceptable that the Moscow group of Syria’s opposition has not been invited for Geneva talks.

Another round of UN-sponsored talks on Syrian reconciliation is expected to begin in Geneva on February 23, after a break of nearly ten months. De Mistura earlier said the crisis in Syria may be settled this year. He explained his optimism by the fact that the ceasefire in the country, announced in December, is being observed in general.

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