Russia: all Syrian opposition groups can join Geneva talks
During a visit to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow now agrees on the participation of all Syrian rebel groups, with the exception of ISIS and Al Qaeda affiliate the Nusra Front, in the Geneva talks on ending the Syrian war. He cited the Army of Islam and Ahrar al-Sham as two extremist groups that could join the talks. Moscow had previously opposed their participation.
DEBKAfile's Persian Gulf sources: Russia's step was a compromise with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which support the two groups.