BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Syria’s opposition has so far failed to agree whether or not to take part in the Geneva conference initiated by Russia and the United States. However, it has agreed on general principles on the expansion of the Syrian National Coalition. Three parties have decided to join the coalition.

Khalid Saleh, spokesman of Syrian national coalition, said, "Our discussion around Geneva two is still at the very early stages. We are exchanging opinions, we are yet to make a decision and I would definitely say they are very early stages of discussion. Today we continued on the topic of expansion. I am glad to announce that three parties have joined us. I think that’s a major step because this is the first time we have them actually joining us."

The US and Russia want to bring together representatives of the opposition and the Syrian government at an international conference in Geneva for talks on a possible transitional government. But much is up in the air, including the date, the agenda and list of participants. On Friday, Syria ally Russia said Bashir al-Assad’s government had accepted in principle to attend the talks, though there has been no official statement from Damascus.

The opposition is deeply suspicious about Assad’s intention to hold serious peace talks, and senior opposition figures have ruled out attending unless Assad’s departure tops the agenda. The Istanbul meetings, which were previously scheduled to end on Saturday, have been extended since the decision about the Geneva talks is yet finalized.

(Source: CNTV.cn)