Syrian Peace Talks -- News Updates March 22, 2016

Members of the Syrian government's delegation talk before a news conference after a meeting on Syria at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 21, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Time: Assad’s Future Will Not Be Discussed at the Syrian Peace Talks, Damascus Says

However, both the U.N. envoy and the Syrian opposition say political transition must be addressed

The ongoing peace talks to negotiate an end to the civil war in Syria will not include a discussion on the future of embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad, his government’s top representative said Monday.

Bashar Ja’afari, the head of the Syrian delegation at the talks, said his government is focused on stopping terrorist groups in the region and insisted the ongoing dialogue has “nothing to do” with Assad staying in power, Reuters reported.

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Syrian Peace Talks -- News Updates March 22, 2016

Syrian government refuses to discuss Assad's future -- Reuters
UN envoy to Syria: Sides in Geneva talks exchanged documents -- AP
Political transition 'mother of all issues' for Syria talks – UN mediator -- UN News Centre
UN Special Envoy for Syria Says Mood of Geneva Talks Improved -- Sputnik
U.N. envoy turns to U.S., Russia to give impetus to Syria talks -- Reuters
Syrian opposition vows to show ‘patience’ in peace bid -- AFP
Syria opposition says government wasting time at Geneva talks -- Reuters
Syria Opposition Seeks Russia Role in Barring Assad Aides -- Bloomberg
U.N. envoy says Brussels attack shows need to end 'fire of war in Syria' -- Reuters
Brussels attacks show Syria peace talks 'vital': opposition -- AFP
Syria peace talks: what are the issues? -- Patrick Wintour, The Guardian