A political settlement in Syria? Russia hosts (more) talks Nov. 18

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The Associated Press

TOPSHOT – Smoke rises from buildings following an air strike by Syrian government forces in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, on October 31, 2017, during an operation against Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. The Assad regime has been able to recapture more than half of Syria’s territory with the support of Russian air strikes. It is now focusing on the oil-rich eastern province of Deir Ezzor, where the SDF alliance is also involved. / AFP PHOTO / STRINGER (Photo credit should read STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images)

BEIRUT ― Russia says it will host Syrian talks next month aimed at reaching a political settlement.

Alexander Lavrentyev, the head of Russia’s delegation at the talks between the Syrian government and the opposition in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, said the so-called Congress of National Dialogue will be held in Sochi on Nov. 18.

Lavrentyev said Tuesday in remarks carried by Russian news agencies that the gathering should bring together representatives of various opposition factions. He said they could discuss efforts to draft a new constitution and prepare parliamentary and presidential elections under U.N. monitoring.

Lavrentyev urged the armed opposition to attend the forum in Sochi and “take part in searching for ways of political settlement.”

Syria’s U.N. Ambassador Bashar al-Ja’afari said his government is ready to participate.


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The Associated Press