Armed opposition must lay down weapons first, before dialogue: Syrian minister

Source : Xinhua | English.news.cn

AMASCUS, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian Information Minister Omran al- Zoubi said Friday that the armed groups on ground must lay down weapons first before the halt of military operations as a prelude to dialogue.

In an interview with the state TV aired Friday evening, al- Zoubi said the governmental committee, tasked with preparing for the national dialogue in accordance to the plan of President Bashar al-Assad, is ready to sit with all parties after they lay down weapons for the dialogue to start.

There must be a commitment for the halt of violence in all its shapes to make the dialogue process successful in all its stages, he said.

The minister pointed out that the commitment of some regional countries to curb the flow of weapons to the armed groups on ground, would help in making the political process a success.

Meanwhile, the minister called on the displaced people to return to their homes, stressing that they will not be pursued and would be provided with all facilitation to Syria.

He said the Syrian Red Crescent will start establishing liaison with the Syrian refugees in neighboring countries in order to prepare for their return.