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          Syrian Rebels: Government, Russia Responsible if Talks Fail

   by VOA News

   Syrian opposition said Saturday that it is "impossible" to start
   negotiations with the government before the implementation of U.N.
   resolutions on humanitarian issues.

   A joint statement signed by 45 opposition and rebel groups said that
   while they support a political process, they hold Syrian government and
   Russia responsible for any failure of peace talks to end the country's
   civil war, due to their "ongoing crimes."

   Peace talks at risk

   The latest round of Syria peace talks are scheduled to begin on Monday
   in Geneva. However, the talks are at risk of being delayed partly
   because of a dispute over who should be in the opposition delegation.

   Opposition groups have denounced Russia for dictating conditions for
   their participation in the Geneva talks. They say will not take part in
   talks while Syrians die from blockades and Russian and government
   airstrikes.

   Moscow is a key ally of the Syrian government and has been carrying out
   airstrikes against insurgents since Sept. 30.
   
   Biden in Turkey
   U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said after meeting with Turkey's Prime
   Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Saturday that the United States and Turkey
   were prepared for a military solution against Islamic State in Syria
   should the Syrian government and rebels fail to reach a political
   settlement.

   ''

   Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday he was
   confident the Syria peace talks would proceed.

   ''

   Kerry made his comments after holding talks with Gulf Cooperation
   Council (GCC) states in Saudi Arabia.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-rebels-government-russia-respo
   nsible-if-talks-fail/3159860.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-rebels-government-russia-responsible-if-talks-fail/3159860.html