"We maintain very close contacts with Kurdish representatives and believe that this is necessary for Kurds to eventually take part in the negotiation process. In general, as our contacts have shown, Special Envoy for Syria de Mistura shares this approach," Gatilov told RIA Novosti.
"There is understanding in this regard with American partners as well," he added.
According to the deputy minister, issues with Kurds taking part in intra-Syrian talks are mainly tied to Turkey's position on the matter.
"The unwillingness to include Kurds in the negotiation process is related, first of all, to the rigid position of Turkey, which opposes this and even tries voicing ultimatums that if Kurds are invited to the negotiation process, they [Ankara] will do everything to disrupt this round of negotiations and ensure that the so-called Riyadh opposition leaves the talks," Gatilov explained.
