Russian FM: Extremists dominate Syrian opposition

Extremists banking on a military solution of the Syrian crisis seem to have gained the upper hand in the opposition, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday. "Only a few days ago it seemed to us that clearer conditions appeared for the sides concerned to start negotiation. But later these approaches were refuted," Lavrov told reporters. Lavrov said extremists have prevailed in the opposition ranks in Syria, including the National Coalition. "They block any initiatives leading to the start of the dialogue," he added. On Monday, visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem proclaimed Damascus's readiness to hold talks with all opposition parties, including the armed militants. Moaz al-Khatib, head of the National Coalition, said Monday that he had not had any communications with representatives of the Syrian administration over a dialogue. The National Coalition also said it will not take part in the upcoming meetings in Russia and the United States to protest the international community's inaction in the Syrian crisis. Still, Lavrov said, Russia was not going to give up. "Of course, we cannot solve the problem for the Syrians, but during our contacts with other states which might influence the Syrian sides, we feel increasing concerned," he said. Various diplomats are trying to the persuade Syrian opposition not to take unrealistic proposals as a precondition for the dialogue with the government, he said.