Syrian government says it will attend Geneva talks
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 27 November 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Syrian government says it will attend Geneva talks, 27 November 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52e6595411.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 27, 2013
The Syrian government says it will attend international peace talks on Syria, dubbed Geneva-2, but rejected calls for President Bashar al-Assad to relinquish power.
A deputy Foreign Ministry official said the "colonial era is over" in response to comments by British and French officials that Assad will play no role in Syria's political transition.
The official said a Syrian government delegation would not go to Geneva to "surrender power to anyone."
The Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers on November 27 jointly called for a cease-fire before the peace talks begin.
Geneva-2 is scheduled to take place on January 22, though a full list of participants has not yet been set.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said those who were setting preconditions for attending the talks are attempting to obstruct them.
Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
