Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, October 20, 2015. Reuters/Alexei Druzhinin/RIA Novosti/Kremlin
Reuters: Exclusive: Russia to propose Syrians launch 18-month reform process - document
Russia wants the Syrian government and opposition to agree on launching a constitutional reform process of up to 18 months, followed by early presidential elections, a draft document obtained by Reuters showed on Tuesday.
The eight-point proposal, drawn up by Moscow before international talks on Syria this week, does not rule out President Bashar al-Assad's participation in the elections - something his foes say is impossible if there is to be peace.
"(The) popularly elected president of Syria will have the functions of commander-in-chief of the armed forces, control of special services and foreign policy," the document said.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Moscow had come up with "different ideas and proposals", although he insisted they did not constitute a solid plan.
WNU Editor: Russia is denying the above Reuters report that they have crafted a draft document on resolving the conflict in Syria .... Russia has not worked on special Syria document: deputy foreign minister (Reuters). This quick response from the Russian foreign office is surprising .... they usually take their time in responding to a press claim or news report. My guess is that someone in the FO drafted the document and someone else leaked it, but the bosses themselves have yet had the chance to look at it and have reacted accordingly. But the fact that it is out there also tells me that Moscow is looking for a credible political solution .... and they are now quietly listing the options for future talks.
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