Syria’s foreign-backed opposition delayed until next week a decision on whether to take part in international conference aimed at ending the deadly conflict.

Syria’s foreign-backed opposition delayed until next week a decision on whether to take part in international conference aimed at ending the deadly conflict.

Following two days of heated debate in Turkey, the general assembly of the so-called Syrian National Coalition decided to suspend its debate and meet again in Istanbul on January 17, just five days before the peace conference is to open in the lakeside town of Montreux.

"The debates were very heated among the different groups that make up the coalition. It was not possible to take a decision," a source close to the foreign-backed opposition said.

The Syrian National Council, the main component of the coalition, had said Friday it would boycott the conference opening on January 22.

The Syrian opposition has "rightful hesitations" about the so-called Geneva II conference because of increasing attacks against civilians and the worsening humanitarian conditions, Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Levent Gumrukcu told reporters in Ankara on Wednesday.

Turkey wants the Syrian opposition to participate in the conference in a "determined" fusion and to demonstrate a "clear vision" on Syria's future, he said.

At its last general assembly in November, the coalition said it was ready to take part in the peace conference as long as Assad and others "with blood on their hands" had no role in a political transition.

However the Syrian government insists that Assad's departure from power is not up for discussion.