Syrian opposition will boycott talks after Scud strike kills 23 in Aleppo

The Syrian National Coalition decided Saturday to suspend participation in the US-led Rome conference of the Friends of Syria and decline the invitation to Moscow negotiations with the Syrian government due to open next week. This is in protest over the Scud missile strikes on Aleppo in which “hundreds of civilians were killed.”
According to anti-government activists, some 23 people were killed and dozens more wounded by rockets which hit two eastern Aleppo districts held by rebels Friday.  DEBKAfile: Substantial talks will almost certainly open next month. The Syrian opposition is now maneuvering for position by inflating casualty figures.