The much-anticipated international talks aimed at bring peace to Syria have
erupted into a war of words between the Syrian regime and the Western-
backed main opposition.
Wednesday's talks - in the Swiss town of Montreux - mark the first time the
Syrian government and the moderate opposition have met face-to-face since
the conflict began nearly three years ago.
Both sides refused to compromise on the future role of Syrian President
Bashar al-Assad in the transitional government.
Siding with the opposition, the U.S. said Syria can not be saved with Assad in
power.
Russia, however, complained of outside interference in Syria's interim
government.
Despite the wrangling, UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said, the Syrian
government and rebels would discuss humanitarian aid, prisoners release and
local ceasefires.
Direct discussions in Geneva will open on Friday as planned.
