Syria's government on Saturday ruled out any discussion of the fate of the presidency at peace talks this week, just as the lead opposition negotiator said a political transition could not even start unless Bashar Assad was no longer president.
The statements reflected the huge challenges facing diplomats as they prepare for talks to resume in Geneva on Monday, trying to build on a cease-fire deal that has reduced violence sharply since Feb. 27.
Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem confirmed his government's participation but said the talks would fail if the opposition had "delusions that they will take power in Geneva that they failed to take in battle."