Russia, Anti-Assad Rebels Hold Aleppo Talks in Ankara

[TomSea]

Russia, Anti-Assad Rebels Hold Aleppo Talks in Ankara
by Naharnet Newsdesk 11 hours ago

Russian representatives have held talks in Ankara with Syrian rebels opposed to President Bashar Assad over the possibility of a truce in the divided city of Aleppo, a source said Wednesday.

Russia is Assad's main international ally and has intervened militarily to help his forces regain full control of Aleppo in northern Syria.

But concern is growing over the humanitarian situation in Syria's battered second city as Assad's forces press an offensive, depriving inhabitants of the rebel-held east of aid.

"Several meetings have taken place in Ankara to discuss the ways to come to such a truce," said a source close to Syria's rebel factions who asked not to be named.

The last meeting in the Turkish capital took place on Monday, the source said, without saying who had taken part.

Those involved are linked to the opposition Syrian National Coalition and do not include jihadists from the Fateh al-Sham Front, the new name for al-Nusra Front after it severed ties with al-Qaida.

Continued: http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/221274-russia-anti-assad-rebels-hold-aleppo-talks-in-ankara