Assad ‘ready for dialog’ with political, armed opposition

Syrian President Bashar has held talks with a group of Russian lawmakers in Damascus.

“The Syrian president assured that he was ready to maintain contacts with all opposition representatives, including armed opposition,” Russian lawmaker Dmitry Sablin reported.

Moreover, the president has also said that he is interested in a dialogue with the Kurds to discuss their vision of the country's political order.

“If the Kurds have their own vision of the political order, President Assad made it clear that the authorities are ready to launch dialogue on the issue,” Alexander Yushchenko said after this meeting with Assad.

According to Russian lawmakers’ report, President Bashar Assad has confirmed that the government is “prepared for contacts” with the Kurds.