Syrian Opposition Optimistic as Russia, US Seek to Reach Success at Talks

The Syrian moderate opposition is optimistic about the outcome of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, as both Russia and the United States are seeking to ensure success of the negotiations, Syrian moderate opposition figure Randa Kassis said Wednesday.

GENEVA (Sputnik) – The new round of the intra-Syrian talks aimed at putting an end to the five-year civil war is underway in Geneva. The negotiations are expected to last until March 24.

"There is a real Russian will to ensure success of the negotiations. [US President Barack] Obama also wants success. I am very optimistic about the outcome of the talks. Especially in view of the Russian assistance since the beginning of the crisis," Kassis, who is a member of a moderate opposition delegation at the Syria proximity talks in Geneva, told journalists.

Syria has been mired in civil war since March 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.