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(Recast) Damascus rejects attempt to federalize Syria

Xinhua, March 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Syrian government on Saturday rejected talks of possible federalization and stressed on unity of the country, according to the foreign minister.

"As a Syrian citizen, I say we reject talks about a federal Syria ... Our people will reject any attempt to divide Syria," Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem told a press conference in Damascus.

The minister's remarks came a day after the UN envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said the possibility of federalism for Syria has not been taken off the table for the upcoming peace talks in Geneva.

Al-Moallem also lashed out at Mistura's mention of an election in Syria within 18 months, saying the UN envoy has no right to talk about the presidential election in Syria, as "The future of Syria is decided by the Syrian people."

However, the top Syrian diplomat said he looks forward to talks with a wider spectrum of opposition groups in Geneva on Monday.

Al-Moallem speculated that the Syrian crisis is drawing to an end, thanks to the national reconciliation and the Syrian army's progress on the ground. He urged the armed rebels to lay down their weapon and join the national reconciliation. Endit