Syrian minister says Geneva talks not for handing over power November 5, 2013 - 15:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria's information minister said government officials will not discuss handing over power or forming a transitional government at peace talks planned for later this month in Switzerland, the Associated Press reported. Omran al-Zoubi's comments came hours before a Syrian envoy is to meet Russian and U.S. officials in Geneva to assess prospects for the peace conference between President Bashar Assad's government and a united opposition, as the country's civil war rages into its third year. Members of the exiled and Western-backed opposition group insist Assad be excluded from Syria's future leadership for any talks to take place. In an interview with Syrian state TV, al-Zoubi said Geneva talks are part of a political process, "and not a handover of power or forming a transitional governing body." Related links:   Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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".   Partner news |  Latest news Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants  Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province.Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes.Armenia says ready to extend nuclear plant’s lifetime by 10 years Armenia has taken necessary measures to extend the lifetime of its nuclear power plant until 2036.Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. |
