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Syria's president has said "opposition forces" could form part of a new government, the shape of which could be agreed at peace talks in Geneva.Bashar al-Assad told a Russian news agency he would expect it to consist of "independent forces, opposition forces and forces loyal to the state".
Indirect talks between the government and opposition resumed this month.
The opposition insist Mr Assad must step down, though the government says his fate is not up for discussion.
The president has previously said it is up to the people of Syria to decide who governs them.
A spokesman for the main opposition umbrella group at the UN-led talks dismissed Mr Assad's latest comments.
"The government, whether it's new or old, as long as it is in the presence of Bashar al-Assad, is not part of the political process," said George Sabra, of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), Reuters news agency reported.
Read more @: Syria's Assad says 'opposition' could join new government
The Syrian opposition turning down Assads position is a fanciful action. A political settlement cannot be reached without the inclusion of the Syrian Government in the process. Assad might agree to step down at some point, but any future Syrian Government will have to include both Assad supporters and opposition forces. The fact of the matter is that Assad and his government do have a good amount of public support. There has to be leeway on both sides for a political settlement to be achieved and for the opposition to repeatedly scream, "No! Assad and his supporters cannot be apart of an agreement/new government!" is unrealistic and detrimental to the Syrian people and any hopes of peace.