Men attempting to save victims after a Russian airstrike in Aleppo

Beirut- The Syrian regime refused to negotiate the transition of authority only two days before the peace talk’s being appealed. The Syrian Opposition assumed that a statement has been made to foil any political process before it even begins. In Damascus, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said that President Bashar Al-Assad is a red line, not to be crossed and that he belongs to the people of Syria.

FM Muallem repeatedly asserted that the regime’s delegation will not wait over 24 hours for the Syrian Opposition mission to arrive at the U.N. premises for participating at the second round of anticipated negotiations, on March 14.

Muallem also addressed U.N. special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura saying that the regime refuses to negotiate with anyone regarding the presidency. “Should the Opposition continue with their approach, there is no need of them coming to Geneva,” he added.

Committee Spokesman Monzer Makhous said that “Muallem’s stance is not new nor found uncanny, however, what is noteworthy is the timing he chose, which is on the evening of launching the negotiations…”

Muallem’s words are like announcing the time of death of political process and negotiations before they even start. “The Syrian regime has bet on the Syrian Opposition to abstain from the negotiations, so that it holds them responsible,” Makhous told Asharq Al-Awsat.