Lavrov Doubts West’s Ability to Get Syria Opposition to Geneva Mid-Nov Meeting

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Doubts West's Ability to Get Syria Rebels to Geneva Mid-Nov Meetingneva-2' peace conference, which he expects to take place in mid-November.

Lavrov, stressing that this needs to happen, suggested that getting "rational members" of the opposition on board is a priority, RIA Novosti reports.

In parallel, he said there is still a lack of clarity regarding who will participate in the anticipated peace talks, "which is a big problem."

Speaking at a Tuesday press conference in Moscow, Lavrov confirmed that a substantial number of the opposition's commanders have broken free of Syrian National Coalition control.

"While this whole business drags on, the radical, elements of the opposition, like al-Nusra Front and others, are gaining in strength."

The current issue we are faced with is "not to waste any more time," Lavrov added.
The success of the conference rests in the hands of those "who hold bigger sway with the opposition [than Russia]... We work with everyone, but the bigger influence on the opposition is exerted by our Western colleagues and key Middle Eastern states," the FM stressed.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team