Syrian opposition refuses Moscow talks

Russia’s Foreign Ministry says Syria’s main Western—backed opposition group is refusing to participate in talks in Moscow.

Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Friday that the Syrian National Coalition is “blocking and refusing to participate” in the talks, which would focus on resolving the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov earlier said that the opposition had “responded positively” to the proposal.

Russian officials had hoped the talks would bolster prospects for a proposed peace conference the U.S. and Russia are trying to convene in Geneva.