Syria govt refuses talks with Opposition’s top peace negotiator, calls him ‘terrorist’

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after a meeting with the UN envoy for Syria, Ja’afari accused Alloush of membership in a terrorist group that “bombed embassies” and “killed engineering school students” and other people. He did not elaborate.

Ja’afari said he would not take part in direct talks “unless that personality apologizes for the statement he made previously and withdraws it,” without specifying.

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has been hosting separate meetings with government and opposition delegates — including Alloush — since the “proximity talks” resumed on Monday.