Russian diplomat: U.S., EU could do more to engage Syria opposition in negotiations
LOUGH ERNE RESORT. June 18 (Interfax) - The leaders of the G8 countries could be doing much more to urge the Syrian opposition groups to sit at the negotiating table, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
"In regards to the work with the opposition forces, our partners from the G8 could be doing much more. This concerns both the Unites States and the European Union," Ryabkov told journalists at a news conference at the Lough Erne Resort on Tuesday.
If the parties are not brought to the negotiating table, "any talk as to whether whatever political or transition process is possible will be absolutely pointless," he said.
The G8 countries should not prejudge the outcome of a transitional government formation in Syria, he said.
"It is not the business of international players, including the G8 participants, to prejudge the outcome of this political transition process," he said.