Ushakov: Geneva II conference may take place before year end

Russian president's aide Yury Ushakov said he does not rule out the possibility that the Geneva II international conference on Syria may be held before the end of 2013. "Vigorous preparations are under way. But no dates have been set so far. They should be agreed upon and announced by the UN secretary general," Ushakov told reporters on Thursday, Voice of Russia reported. Russia is actively involved in preparations for this event, he said. "We are working hard, doing our part of the job. In particular, (Russian) President Vladimir Putin had a useful conversation with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad - the first conversation in seven years," Ushakov said. The Russian side "encouraged the Syrian authorities to play a proactive and constructive role in preparations for this conference," he said. "But, as you understand, it is not only about what the authorities in Damascus think. It is also about the position of certain opposition groups," Ushakov said. The presidential aide said he knew nothing about another possible visit by Syrian opposition representatives to Moscow.