World

Russia Urging Assad to Talk to Syrian Opposition

Conflict approaches two year mark

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Russia, the only big power with close ties to the Syrian regime, on Friday urged President Bashar al-Assad to follow through on pledges to meet the opposition and keep all options open for a transition government.

The call came as Moscow revved up its bid to save a tattered peace process by first hosting a top Assad envoy and then planning for a meeting Saturday with Syria peace mediator Lakhdar Brahimi.