Moscow optimistic about Syrian dialogue in Geneva. Ryabkov’s talk about federalism was misinterpreted.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said his country is optimistic about the dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition scheduled this week in Geneva.

The fact that there is a decision and mutual understanding within the International Syria Support Group is a source of optimism, Bogdanov added in a statement to Russia Today website on Saturday.

He noted that direct talks between the government and the opposition could be possible if a unified opposition group is established, adding that having so many opposition groups makes the mission of the US Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura difficult.

• Bogdanov also commented on recent statements made by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov about a federal model in Syria, saying this information is incompatible with the real situation.

He stressed that only the Syrians can decide what their country is to be like.

• A high-level Russian diplomatic source said yesterday that Ryabkov’s talk about federalism was misinterpreted.

• The source affirmed that Russia doesn’t have any project related to the governing system in Syria, adding that this issue is up to the Syrians themselves to decide.

Ryabkov’s talk came in a certain context and does not reflect a Russian stance, the source added.
[sana.sy]
12/3/16
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