Syrian opposition refuses to discuss terrorism at UN talks

Syria's main opposition group said Wednesday that terrorism cannot be added to the agenda of sputtering UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva, as sought by Damascus. The High Negotiating Committee (HNC) announced the refusal after an unprecedented meeting with a Russian minister, whose country is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad. "We will not deal with it, and if (UN mediator Staffan de Mistura) adds it in any time we will not deal with it or discuss it," HNC delegation chief Yehya Kodmani told reporters.