Syria peace talks to continue Friday in Geneva

Peace talks on Syria are set to continue later [Friday].

UN mediators in Geneva are hoping the sides in the conflict will agree to face-to-face discussions during the latest round of negotiations on a constitution and elections.

On Thursday, Russia's envoy to the UN described Western and rebel demands for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down as part of deal as "absurd."

Our correspondent Steve Mort in Moscow says the parties are seen as unlikely to reach a major breakthrough.

IN: "Well not…
OUT: … all sides"
DUR: 15 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223Syria-Mort1.mp3

ALT: Our correspondent Steve Mort in Moscow says the US and Russia differ on major issues.

IN: "The United States…
OUT: … the country"
DUR: 25 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223Syria-Mort2.mp3

ALT: Our correspondent Steve Mort in Moscow says parallel talks sponsored by Russia, Iran and Turkey are tackling thorny military issues, while the Geneva negotiations are focusing on key political stumbling blocks.

IN: "There is…
OUT: … the country"
DUR: 14 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223Syria-Mort3.mp3

ALT: Our correspondent Steve Mort in Moscow says the Syrian opposition has agreed to direct talks with the government side in Geneva.

IN: "Previously you've…
OUT: … of talks"
DUR: 18 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223Syria-Mort4.mp3

ALT: Vladimir Sotnikov, a Senior Researcher at the Institute Of Oriental Studies, says the Geneva talks can be strengthened by the parallel Russian-led talks in the Kazakhstan capital Astana

IN: "This Geneva…
OUT: … the negotiations"
DUR: 21 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223Syria-Sotnikov1.mp3

ALT: Vladimir Sotnikov, a Senior Researcher at the Institute Of Oriental Studies, says the Syrian government is likely to gain more territory despite US objections.

IN: "With the…
OUT: … in Syria"
DUR: 14 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223Syria-Sotnikov2.mp3

ALT: Vladimir Sotnikov, a Senior Researcher at the Institute Of Oriental Studies, says the Trump administration is still assessing its strategy in Syria, which he expects to be more aligned with Russia's position.

IN: "I think…
OUT: … of Russia"
DUR: 17seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223Syria-Sotnikov3.mp3