Syrian government reps and Syrian opposition to discuss prisoners and abducted persons at their next meeting in Moscow, Syrian ambassador to Russia says

MOSCOW, February 3 /TASS/. The release of prisoners held by Syrian government forces and of people abducted by Syrian opposition will be part of the agenda of the next meeting between Syrian government representatives and Syrian opposition to be held in Moscow, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad told TASS on Tuesday. We have not received any lists /of imprisoned or abducted persons/ but the subject was discussed at the consultations. It was suggested as an item for discussion during the next round of consultations, the Syrian diplomat said. "The Moscow consultations were not a kind of meeting to discuss the Syrian crisis details," the Syrian diplomat went on to say. "We support the initiative of Russia, which is a historical friend of our people. Moscow took a clear stance on the Syrian crisis straight from start. It was based on the principles of international law, including the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," Dr. Riad Haddad said adding that the meeting on the Moscow floor had been consultative. Its aim was to establish contacts between representatives of various opposition groups and civil society, on the one hand, and representatives of the Syrian government, on the other hand. "Each side voiced its position at the consultations. The ultimate goal is to reach an agreement between the sides on the basis of negotiations," the Syrian ambassador stressed. Read more