A representative of the Syrian National Coalition has confirmed reports about closed meetings between Russia and the Syrian opposition in Ankara.
The National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces (also known as the Syrian National Coalition) has confirmed reports about closed meetings between representatives of Russia and the Syrian opposition in Ankara, the RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing member of the Syrian National Coalition, Samir Nashar.
“The meetings were holding by efforts of Turkey during three days. Groups, on which Turkey may have some influence, took part with great caution,” Nashar said, noting that he does not know who exactly represented Moscow and Ankara.
The oppositionist added that participants tried to develop a plan to solve the situation in Aleppo on basis of proposals of UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, about safe corridors for withdrawal of local residents in exchange for a ceasefire.
“However, it seems that no agreement was reached, as groups [of militants], besieged in Aleppo, took a firm decision to fight to the end and not to leave [the city],” the representative of the Syrian National Coalition said.
He also noted that militants in Aleppo took their decisions regardless of the “command outside of the city,” including representatives in Turkey.
Earlier, the Financial Times newspaper reported about the closed meetings, citing sources in the Syrian opposition. According to the newspaper, leaders of the Syrian opposition held secret negotiations with Russia under the mediation of Turkey and discussed ending of the fighting in Aleppo. The US did not take part in the negotiations.
