(VOVworld) - The Syrian government and several opposition groups have agreed to resume peace talks mediated by Russia.

A key opposition figure Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib

Reports said on Tuesday that both sides have confirmed the initial agreement, which followed talks in Moscow in November between delegations led by key opposition figure Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem. The same day, al-Khatib, leader of the so-called Syrian National Coalition, called for direct talks with the Syrian government. According to Bouthaina Shaaban, an advisor to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russia wants all parties to reach an initial agreement to create a basis for a negotiated settlement. So far, opposition groups in Syria have not relinquished their condition that President Assad resign and a transition government be established.