Bogdanov: Moscow calls workgroup on Syria to convene

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov announced that Moscow calls for holding a meeting of the workgroup on Syria as soon as possible. Bogdanov told journalists on Wednesday that Russia believes that time is of the essence and that the faster they work, they faster they could reach the best solution, end violence, and launch a political process based on broad Syrian national dialogue. He also voiced Russia's readiness to host an international conference on Syrians who were forced to leave their homes and areas due to the current events, noting that communications are underway to organize this conference. Bogdanov said that Russia is prepared to work with partners who want to resolve the issue of Syrian refugees, and that there were thoughts of holding such an international conference to provide humanitarian aid to these people. Pushkov: So-Called Friends of Syria Group and the Opposition Cannot Find Way Out of Crisis without Participation of Syrian Government In a press conference, Chairman of the State Duma International Affairs Committee Alexei Pushkov affirmed that the so-called "Friends of Syria" group and the Syrian opposition will not find a way out of the crisis in Syria without the participation of the Syrian government, no matter how much the group hold talks in Rome with the opposition or without it. Pushkov voiced hope that the new US administration will be more realistic in its viewpoints regarding issues include the Syrian issue, noting that US President Barack decided not to implement the decision of the former Pentagon officials who wanted to arm the Syrian opposition, saying that if the US maintains this stance then this will help prevent the situation from becoming more complicated. He said that since the beginning, Moscow warned against the threat posed by those who bear arms as such people cannot implement democracy in a country, stressing the need to stop exchanging accusations and overlooking negativities and to focus on positive points and help launch dialogue as soon as possible to resolve the crisis in Syria.