Russia Urging Assad to Talk to Syrian Opposition

Conflict approaches two year mark

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.