VIENNA (AP) — The latest developments in talks on ending the Syrian War (all times local).
12:59 pm
Syria has lashed out at Saudi Arabia saying it is not qualified to play a “productive” role in resolving the Syrian War because it is shedding the blood of Muslims and Arabs there, in Yemen and in Iraq.
The comments by Syria’s information minister were aired on pro-state Syrian al-Ikhbariya TV on Thursday. They come ahead of talks in Vienna by major players in the Syrian War, including the U.S. and Russia. For the first time the talks also bring together Saudi Arabia and Iran, a bitter rival and major ally of President Bashar Assad Iran. A day before the meeting, Saudi foreign minister Adel Jubeir said there is no role for Assad in the political transition.
Syria Minister Omran al-Zoghby criticized Jubeir, calling him a “servant” who is best silent
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12:35 p.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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