DHAKA: Russia on Sunday welcomed a decision by Syria’s opposition to attend an international peace conference next week alongside representatives of a regime they seek to overthrow.

‘That is the right decision, we’ve have always said that one has to go to the forum and enter into dialogue with the government,’ Russia’s deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov told the state ITAR-TASS news agency, reports The Straits Times.

‘The work of the conference will be based on this, the main thing is the launch of inter-Syrian talks,’ said Bogdanov, adding Russia expected such a decision from the opposition.

‘The most important thing is for them to put together a representative delegation. As far as we understand, right now contacts are under way between various organisations and figures.’

BDST: 2124 HRS, JAN 19, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor