German FM Says Damascus Unable to Hold 'Serious' Talks on Syria Settlement

© REUTERS / Denis BalibouseSyrian government delegation headed by Bashar al-Jaafari attends a news conference after a meeting on Syria at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 16, 2016
Syrian government delegation headed by Bashar al-Jaafari attends a news conference after a meeting on Syria at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 16, 2016 - Sputnik International
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Damascus is unable to hold serious negotiations on the Syrian settlement which makes Russia's involvement in the talks vital, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on the sidelines of the G20 consultations in Bonn on Friday.

Free Syrian Army fighters carry their weapons as they stand on the outskirts of the northern Syrian town of al-Bab, Syria February 4, 2017. - Sputnik International
France Asks Russia to Influence Damascus Over Attitude to Rebels as Terrorists
BONN (Sputnik) — The G20 foreign ministers meeting under Germany’s chairmanship is held in Bonn on February 17-18.

"The regime in Damascus cannot hold any serious talks," the German minister said, adding that "it is important to involve Russia in it."

Russia launched its military operation in Syria on September 30, 2015, at the request of the Syrian government. While targeting terrorist organizations, Russia also acts as a mediator in the intra-Syrian reconciliation process, and provides Syrian civilians with humanitarian aid.

Moreover, Russia and Turkey act as guarantors of the Syrian ceasefire that came into force on December 30, which has been holding up in general, despite continued reports of violations. The UN Security Council passed a resolution in December supporting the effort.

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