Syrian authorities agree to Moscow talks: Russia

MOSCOW - The Syrian authorities have agreed to take part in talks in Moscow mediated by Russia, and Russia hopes the Syrian opposition will also agree take part, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Moscow, a permanent United Nations Security Council member with veto powers, has offered to host the talks in an effort to end bloodshed since protests began against President Bashar al-Assad's rule 10 months ago.

A senior member of the Syrian opposition council said separately that no invitation had been received from Moscow and that it would be refused anyway.