VIENNA (AP) — The latest developments in talks on ending the Syrian War (all times local).
12:35 a.m.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says international talks in Vienna should help launch an inter-Syrian political dialogue and achieve political settlement.
Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at Thursday’s briefing that Moscow is satisfied to see that Iran and Egypt have been invited to join the talks among other participants.
She said using the potential of all regional players is essential for the success of the talks and unilateral approaches won’t work.
She voiced the hope that the talks will be frank and constructive.
Zakharova again rejected allegations that Russia’s air campaign in Syria has caused civilian casualties as lies, reaffirming that the Russian warplanes only target terrorist infrastructure.
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11:50 a.m.
Syria’s exiled opposition is rejecting any role for President Bashar Assad in the political transition “even for one day” ahead of talks on ending the country’s civil war.
In a statement Thursday, Syrian National Coalition member Bassam Abdullah warned against wasting time on political initiatives like Vienna, saying they are attempts to allow the military time to regain territories from rebels.
Abdullah’s comments come as diplomats converge on Vienna for talks by key players in the Syrian civil war now entering its fifth year.
The talks are attended by the U.S., Russia, and bitter regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, the first time the two nations to discuss Syria.
Abdullah made the statement after holding meetings in Germany with the U.S. envoy to Syria Michael Ratney.
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