Russia said Monday that a new Syrian opposition coalition that aims to oust President Bashar Assad should seek an end to the Syrian crisis through negotiation and reject outside interference.
The Foreign Ministry gave the coalition, formed in Qatar on Sunday with Western and Arab backing, a cool reception in a statement, which cited media reports saying that coalition members had agreed not to enter talks with Assad's government.
Russia's "main criterion ... remains the readiness of such alliances to act on the platform of a peaceful resolution of the conflict by Syrians themselves, without external interference, through dialogue and negotiations," the ministry said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said separately on Twitter: "Unification of the Syrian opposition can be helpful if it enters into political dialogue with the government."
Representatives of groups including rebel fighters, veteran dissidents and minority groups agreed, after days of wrangling and cajoling by Arab, U.S. and other officials, to join a new assembly that can form a government in exile.
A member of the Syrian National Council based in Moscow said the group had decided to join the coalition in hopes that what he called promises of extensive aid, including weapons, would be borne out.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.