Syrian opposition's refusal to come to Astana means they are unwilling to resolve problems of their country - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW. March 16 (Interfax) - The refusal by the Syrian armed opposition's delegation to take part in the Astana talks speaks of this side's reluctance to solve problems of the Syrian settlement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.
"The refusal of the talks means one thing - reluctance to address exactly those problems that the entire international community is dealing with," Zakharova told a briefing conference on Thursday.
Zakharova went on to emphasize that the excuses for their refusal to attend the talks given by the leadership of the armed opposition's delegation were "absolutely unconvincing and unacceptable".
"We express regret over the fact that the delegation of the Syrian armed opposition embarked on speculations around its arrival, showing disrespect towards the forum's organizers and other participants in this event, who have gathered in the capital of Kazakhstan," she said.
Outside forces "were pushing the Syrian armed opposition towards boycotting the event" aiming to strike a blow at the Astana process and the Geneva process as well, she said.
"We are satisfied with the fact that they didn't succeed," Zakharova said.
