Bolanle Akanji
Moderator
The Syrian Government has agreed to peace talks but says that Bashar al-Assad's position is not up for negotiation.
It calls the demand for Assad's stepping down 'delusions and dreams'.
"The age of colonialism, with the installation and toppling of governments, is over. They must wake from their dreams," the statement said. "If they insist on these delusions, there is no need for them to attend Geneva II."
"The official Syrian delegation is not going to Geneva to surrender power."
However, the opposition Syrian National Coalition refuses to attend the talks unless the Syrian regime guarantees Assad will be barred from any role in the transitional government.
It calls the demand for Assad's stepping down 'delusions and dreams'.
"The age of colonialism, with the installation and toppling of governments, is over. They must wake from their dreams," the statement said. "If they insist on these delusions, there is no need for them to attend Geneva II."
"The official Syrian delegation is not going to Geneva to surrender power."
However, the opposition Syrian National Coalition refuses to attend the talks unless the Syrian regime guarantees Assad will be barred from any role in the transitional government.
