Syrian Rebels Say Peace Deal Must Involve U.S., Russia, Not Assad

Why?

The Syrian National Coalition is willing to negotiate a peace deal to end the war tearing apart the pivotal Arab country but President Bashar Assadcannot be a party to any settlement, according to a communique drafted for a major opposition meeting.

The communique, seen by Reuters, omitted a direct demand for Assad's removal, in a softening of tone from past positions that insisted the president must go before there could be any talks.