DHAKA: The Syrian government says it will participate in UN-sponsored peace talks aimed at ending the country’s civil war, but insists that it is not going to the conference to hand over power.

The United Nations announced Monday that the long-delayed peace negotiations will begin January 22 in Geneva.

A full list of participants has yet to be decided.

Syria’s foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that president Bashar Assad will send an official delegation to the conference, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1648 HRS, NOV 27, 2013