Syria opposition urges end to Russian anti-terror air strikes
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UN special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura (C-L) sits facing Syria's main opposition group during peace talks in Geneva on Feb. 1, 2016. ©AFP
The Saudi-backed Syrian opposition says Russia should immediately stop its anti-terror airstrikes on militant-held areas as a condition for its participation in peace talks with the Damascus government.
Monzer Makhous, a representative of the so-called High Negotiations Committee (HNC) said the Russian air campaign “complicates the situation” in Syria, Russia's Interfax news agency reported Tuesday.
Moscow began its aerial military campaign against terrorists in Syria on September 30 last year upon a request by the Damascus government.
“If bombings continue, it is hard to imagine how the negotiating process will proceed,” said Makhous.
Last week, the latest round of talks between the Syrian government and the opposition was adjourned for three weeks after the HNC did not show up. February 25 has been set as the new date.
Analysts say the opposition refused to continue the negotiations after the Syrian army, backed by Russian air power, made significant gains against the Takfiri terrorist groups on several fronts.
The foreign-backed conflict in Syria, which began in March 2011, has claimed the lives of more than 260,000 people and displaced almost half of the country’s population.
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