Russia's Foreign Ministry says Syrian peace talks have tentatively been set to take place in Moscow next month.
The ministry spokesman, Alexander Lukashevich, said Thursday the talks involving representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition are set to take place sometime after Jan. 20.
Russia, which has staunchly backed Syrian President Bashar Assad throughout the nation's civil war, recently offered to host peace talks between the government and the mainstream opposition without preconditions. The effort could help Moscow raise its international profile amid tensions with the West over Ukraine.
Lukashevich said the talks would involve representatives of both the domestic and foreign-based Syrian opposition. He added that the government could be represented by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem or other officials, but Assad himself would be unlikely to participate. AP