Lavrov says Kurds should participate in Syria peace talks

Lavrov says Kurds should participate in Syria peace talks
January 26, 2016 - 13:04 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is arguing strongly against Turkey's demand to keep a leading Kurdish group out of Syria's peace talks, the Associated Press reports.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday, Jan 26, that the group, the Democratic Union Party, plays an important role in fighting the Islamic State group and is an essential part of political settlement in Syria.

Lavrov's statement at a news conference comes amid tough posturing ahead of Syria peace talks set to start Friday. UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura will be sending invitations amid intense jockeying between countries like Russia and Turkey about who should be invited.

Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, has called for the inclusion of Kurdish representatives, and the U.S. and others have supported the Kurds in the fight against IS.

Related links:
AP. Russia urges for including Kurds in Syria talks
 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for January 26, 2016
Other news in this section
 Latest news
U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel.
Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.
Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says.
---