Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has called for an international meeting on Syria similar to the “Taif Conference” that ended the civil war in Lebanon. The French newspaper Le Figaro quoted Bogdanov, who is currently in Paris, as saying, “We propose to our Western partners to organize a ‘Taif’ conference involving all parties to the conflict, similar to the one that ended the civil war in Lebanon in 1990.”
He added, “This conference should bring together representatives of the opposition and the regime, ensuring a non-violent resolution and enabling the shaping of Syria’s future framework.” He warned of the danger of turning Syria into a new Somalia.
Bogdanov stated that the Russians have never said that the survival of Assad is a fundamental condition for any negotiations. However, he emphasized that “it is not up to the Russians or the French to determine the fate of the Syrian president.”
Bogdanov is currently in Paris, where he met with French officials and had discussions with former Vice President Abdel-Halim Khaddam, defected General Manaf Tlass, and representatives of the National Council. Additionally, he met with former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
