Moscow Calls For Agreement On Syrian Opposition Groups

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for an agreement on a list of Syrian opposition groups that should be invited to UN-brokered peace talks.

Speaking on November 4 after meeting with UN Syrian envoy Staffan de Mistura in Moscow, Lavrov insisted that the opposition should set up a unified delegation for holding negotiations with Damascus.

De Mistura said it was important to work on the formation of an inclusive government in Damascus.

On October 30 in Vienna, diplomats from 17 countries agreed to ask the UN to broker a peace deal between the regime and opposition to clear the way for a new constitution and UN-supervised elections.

But divisions remain on the fate of President Bashar al-Assad, with Russia and Iran resisting Western and Saudi pressure to force the Syrian leader from power.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters