Syrian opposition to stick to demand Assad go at start of transition

RIYADH – Syrian opposition groups will stick to their demand President Bashar al-Assad leave power at the start of any political transition, Al Arabiya television reported on Wednesday, despite speculation they could soften their stance in light of the government's strength on the battlefield.

The opposition groups were meeting in Saudi Arabia to seek a unified position ahead of UN-backed peace talks, after years in which Russian military intervention has helped the government recapture all of Syria's major cities.

Two days before the meeting, the leader of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) that has represented the opposition at previous peace talks quit abruptly, giving rise to speculation that Assad's opponents might seek a softer stance.

HNC chief Riyad Hijab had been known as an uncompromising defender of the position that Assad must have no role in any political transition for Syria.