Syria opposition leader, senior Russian diplomat urges early intl forum on Syria
MOSCOW. Oct 29 (Interfax) - Qadri Jamil, leader of a Syrian moderate opposition coalition, who was fired on Tuesday as deputy prime minister and minister of internal trade and consumer protection, discussed the situation in Syria during a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov on Tuesday.
"The situation in Syria with emphasis on its humanitarian aspect was discussed during the conversation," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Both Jamil and Bogdanov called for the earliest possible convocation of the planned Geneva II international conference on the Syrian conflict as a way to organize an inter-Syrian dialogue.
"Under the current circumstances, this is the shortest way to save lives, alleviate the suffering of the Syrians, and ensure the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria," the statement said, citing Jamil and Bogdanov.
Jamil, who is leader of the opposition Popular Front for Change and Liberation, was dismissed from government for allegedly exceeding his authority, Syrian state television said.