Moscow plans to host a Syrian meeting next week

Moscow, SANA- Moscow is planning to host a round of talks between representatives of the Syrian government and opposition members next week, Russian President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Russian TASS News Agency on Tuesday.

“Russia will invite representatives from the Syrian opposition next week for consultations in Moscow” Bogdanov added in a statement to reporters, adding that the meeting which is called “Moscow 3” is planned to be held next week with the possibility of joining representatives of the Syrian government to it.

Bogdanov affirmed that these are not official talks but they are meant to be an opportunity for a meeting in one place at one time to exchange views and consult in the framework of preparations for future work.

Bogdanov explained that “Moscow3” meeting will be present on the agenda of the meeting between the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UN Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura in Moscow on Wednesday, pointing out that new issues are present on the agenda and the most important matter is that they were discussed in Vienna.

Bogdanov noted that Moscow removed US proposal during Vienna meeting regarding putting timelines for the formation of a transitional government in Syria.

Assessment by de Mistura on the outcomes of his visit to Damascus is expected to be discussed Wednesday at the meeting with Lavrov, Bogdanov said.

In turn, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told Russian Sputnik News Agency that a meeting is scheduled to be held in Moscow on Wednesday between Lavrov and de Mistura, adding that the meeting will discuss the political process in Syria and launching an actual dialogue between representatives of the Syrian government and opposition.

Earlier on Monday, De Mistura said he has discussed the outcomes of Vienna meeting during his visit to Damascus, as neither the government, nor the opposition was present at the meeting, adding that it is of his duties to inform all Syrians the result of Vienna meeting.

Qabas/ H. Zain/ Barry

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