Syrian opposition figure talks off until Russian strikes stop

A member of the Syrian opposition’s negotiating team has reportedly ruled out peace talks until Russia stops air strikes on the country and the government allows access to besieged areas, Middle East Eye said.

George Sabra, who was named deputy head of the opposition delegation on Wednesday said that “the conditions must be appropriate for the negotiations”.

He confirmed that this meant the opposition would not attend even indirect talks until the conditions are met.

“So far, the obstacles in front of the conference have yet to be removed. There must be a halt to the bombardment of civilians by Russian planes, and sieges of blockaded areas must be lifted,” he was quoted as saying.

The talks that are scheduled to begin in Geneva on Monday have been dogged over the past week as sponsoring countries Russia and the US, and the Saudi-backed Syrian opposition, have clashed over who should represent the opposition.

Russia has called some of the groups on a US-backed list made in an opposition meeting in Saudi Arabia last month "terrorists" and has refused to negotiate with them.

Source: MENA