Russia: Syria peace talks should continue without demands on Assad to resign

Demands on Syrian President Bashar Assad's resignation as a precondition for the next round of talks on the country's reconciliation are unacceptable, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by Sputnik as saying on Tuesday.

"Demanding Bashar Assad's resignation should not be imposed as a precondition for any continuation of the [intra-Syrian] talks," the diplomat said.

Ryabkov also expressed hope that the sides would engage in a direct contact during the next round of talks due to start on April 11.

The latest round of talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces opened on March 14 in Geneva and lasted for 10 days. 

The round saw all delegations submit their settlement proposals to UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, who then produced a final paper with points of convergence between the parties. 

It was submitted for delegations' approval ahead of the new round of talks.

Source: MENA