Syrian opposition holding talks

Syrian opposition figures are holding a rare meeting in Damascus for talks during which they are calling for the overthrow of the regime.

Some 16 opposition parties are taking part in the conference headed by the National Co-ordination Body for Democratic Change in Syria - a Syria-based opposition group.

The rare opposition gathering in a regime-held city is to discuss peaceful ways to end Syria's civil war and help unite the fragmented opposition.

Sunday's meeting at a hotel in the capital was held under tight security and was attended by ambassadors of Russia and Iran, two allies of embattled president Bashar Assad's regime.

The Syrian opposition suffers divisions between the largely exiled opposition and those based inside the country. The two differ on means to topple president Assad.

AP