Syrian solders and Russian solders stand near a car covered by collage showing the faces of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday signalled that the Kremlin’s position on President Bashar al-Assad had not changed, saying that his fate must be decided only by people of Syria, including in free and democratic elections.

Another Russian government source said on Friday it hoped the Syrian government delegation would show flexibility at peace talks with the opposition.

“We hope this participation (of the Damascus delegation) will continue in a constructive way … and necessary flexibility will be displayed – of course, within possible limits,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with journalists.

“These negotiations should be only inclusive … including Kurds, to find a really lasting solution … and to enable Syrians themselves to decide their destiny.”

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