A Syrian opposition official says the main opposition group is staying away from peace talks until they get a response to their demands from the United Nations.
Basma Kodmani, a member of the opposition's negotiations team, says they are still waiting for response from the UN regarding lifting the sieges on rebel-held areas and an end to Russian and Syrian bombardment.
Opposition officials say they will not join the Geneva talks unless these demands are met.
The talks were scheduled to begin in Geneva today and the Syrian government delegation is expected later in the day.
The UN special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistaura said yesterday that the peace talks he plans to launch in Geneva "in the next few days" are an opportunity not to be missed.
