26-04-2024 10:36 PM Jerusalem Timing

Syrian Coalition Refuses Geneva II Peace Talks

Syrian Coalition Refuses Geneva II Peace Talks

A key group within the Syrian opposition National Coalition said Sunday it would not attend proposed peace talks in Geneva and would quit the Coalition if it participated.

Syria: George SabraA key group within the Syrian opposition National Coalition said Sunday it would not attend proposed peace talks in Geneva and would quit the Coalition if it participated.

"The Syrian National Council, which is the biggest bloc in the Coalition, has taken the firm decision... not to go to Geneva, under the present circumstances (on the ground)," Council president George Sabra said.

"This means that we will not stay in the Coalition if it goes" to the peace talks in Geneva, he added, indicating that his group would not negotiate before the fall of the Syrian government.

The international community, led by Russia and the United States, has been pushing for the Syrian gov't and the opposition groups to attend a peace conference dubbed Geneva II to find a political solution to the conflict.

The proposed meeting has been delayed for months, but Washington and Moscow are now talking about a potential mid-November date for the conference.