WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier this week Assad, in an interview with Sputnik, outlined the need for a united Syrian government that would include opposition, independent, government and other political forces.
‘He [Assad] has moved and I’m inclined to believe that it’s been the pressure from Russia on him on that [the] transitional government is what it says, it’s not permanent but it should include a wide variety of political forces in the country," Murphy said.
Since 2011, Syria has been mired in a massive civil war, with government forces loyal to Assad fighting a number of militant groups and opposition factions.
On February 27, the ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia came into effect. It was supported by Damascus, as well as by dozens of opposition groups on the ground.
The latest round of the Geneva intra-Syria talks began on March 14 and lasted for 10 days. During the last round of talks, all delegations submit their settlement proposals to UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, who then produced a final paper with points of convergence between the parties.
The final declaration was submitted for the delegations' approval ahead of the new round of talks that could start as early as April 9.
