MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The intra-Syrian talks were slated to begin Friday evening.
"The moderate opposition decided to not take part in the talks at the last moment. The continuous Russian airstrikes in the region where opposition is located presents a problem for it. Until ceasefire is reached, participation in those talks is perceived by those on the frontline as treason," Erdogan said.
Ankara has repeatedly accused Moscow of trying to target the moderate opposition, while Russia denied the allegations as groundless as Russian airstrikes have been supporting not only Syrian government forces, but also the country's opposition groups fighting against Daesh terrorist group.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with the country’s government fighting against multiple opposition factions and terrorist groups, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front.
Russia has been launching airstrikes against Daesh and al-Nusra terrorists in Syria since September 30 at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Earlier, Deputy head of the Syrian opposition delegation at the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, George Sabra, said Thursday the delegation would not travel to Geneva to attend the beginning of the talks on January 29.