Syria opposition leader urges Assad for dialogueFebruary 4, 2013 - 18:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian opposition leader Moaz Alkhatib urged President Bashar al-Assad on Monday, February 4 to take a clear stance on his initiative for dialogue, adding that it was aimed at ending the bloodshed and to "help the regime leave peacefully," Reuters said. Alkhatib, speaking after meeting Russian and U.S. officials in Germany, told Al Jazeera news channel that major powers had no vision for a solution to the war in Syria and only Syrians could decide on a way forward. "The regime must take a clear stand (on dialogue) and we say we will extend our hand for the interest of people and to help the regime leave peacefully," he told the Qatar-based channel. "It is now in the hands of the regime." Last week Alkhatib said he was ready to hold talks with Assad's representatives if the government released around 160,000 detainees. But his call was met with criticism from within his own coalition, which refuses dialogue with Assad and says he must leave. Alkhatib said that his initiative was "humanitarian" in order to save Syrian lives and what remains of the country's infrastructure after nearly two years of conflict. "The big powers have no vision (for a solution) ... Only the Syrian people can decide on the solution." He also said that forming a transitional government with full powers was one of the options under discussion after the meeting in Munich. He did not elaborate. "We will find a solution, there are many keys. If the regime wants to solve (the crisis) it can take part in it," he said. "If it wants to get out and get the people out of this crisis we will all work together for the interest of the people and the departure of the regime." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |