Russian, Syrian diplomats mull preparations for talks between govt and opposition
MOSCOW. Feb 5 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has met Syrian Ambassador Riyad Haddad in Moscow at the ambassador's request.
"During the conversation opinions were exchanged on the situation in and around Syria, in particular, the humanitarian situation in that country. In this context the Russian side stressed the importance of building up the constructive cooperation of the Syrian government with international humanitarian organizations with the purpose of guaranteeing the broadest possible access of the population to humanitarian aid," a report posted on the Russian ministry's website says.
It also notes that the sides discussed preparations for planned talks between the Syrian government and opposition representatives. "Pressing issues of the agenda of the second round of inter-Syrian talks in Geneva slated for February 10 were discussed. A general understanding of the need for the speedy settlement of the conflict in Syria in a peaceful, nonviolent way on the basis of implementing the June 30, 2012 Geneva communique was expressed," the report says.
