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France says meeting on Syria must gather "large" opposition

Xinhua, January 18, 2017 Adjust font size:

France Tuesday called for a "credible" and "large" representation of Syrian opposition in Russia-Turkey-brokered peace talks scheduled next month in the Kazakh capital city of Astana.

France confirmed its support for the announced objectives, and insisted on the importance of "a large and credible opposition presence," foreign ministry spokesman Romain Nadal said.

After retaking a rebel-held area in eastern Aleppo, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agreed to discuss with opposition a peace deal brokered by Russia and Turkey in Astana on Feb. 8.

In a recent interview with French media, al-Assad said he was ready "to negotiate everything," to reach peace and restore stability in the country, but noted the success of talks depended on "who will be from the other side."

Syria peace talks, involving both the Syrian government delegation and opposition forces vying to oust al-Assad, have been on hold since April last year amid protracted violence. Endit