Rebels Refuse Peace Talks Following "Government Violations"

Syrian Rebel groups have announced that they will be suspending talks regarding their participation in Syrian peace negotiations due to ‘government violations’ of a four-day ceasefire.

The agreement was originally brokered by Russia and Turkey, and will be followed by peace negotiations between rebel factions and government representatives.

But rebels have said that they will not involve themselves in any talks until the ceasefire is “fully implemented”.

The rebel groups include the Army of Islam, a powerful faction which operates mainly outside the Syrian capital Damascus.

This comes as the UN Security Council make a unanimous decision to support efforts by Russia and Turkey to end the six-year conflict and begin peace negotiations.

However, the rebel groups have said that violations in the Barada Valley are continuing, stating that:

"The violations threaten the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents".

The statement also said the opposition will consider any military changes on the ground to be a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire was originally agreed in an effort to pave the way for talks between the government and opposition groups to take place.

If talks were to go ahead, it would be the first time in nearly a year that such progress had been made.

The talks will be mediated by Russia, Turkey and Iran, although officials in Moscow have said other key players including the US are welcome to participate.

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