Syrian opposition leader to visit Russia

Head of the Syrian opposition coalition Ahmed Jarba will visit Russia early January upon a Russian invitation, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. The announcement comes as Russia and the United States drum up support for their joint initiative to get all parties to the Syrian conflict to join peace talks slated for January in Geneva. He said he met with Russian coalition representatives in Istanbul and Geneva, adding that the Russian officials have no mind to contact the Syrian opposition. He added that a meeting between the Russian diplomats and the Syrian opposition representatives, including the national coalition, will take place on December 21. Source: MENA