Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova didn’t confirm a meeting with representatives of the Free Syrian Army in Abu Dhabi next week, but she noted that contacts may take place through the embassy.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova didn't confirm a meeting with representatives of the Free Syrian Army in Abu Dhabi next week, but she noted that contacts may take place through the embassy.

"Our embassies maintain contacts with the Syrian opposition, this may be one of such contacts," she said. "I am unaware of the contacts through a deputy minister or a department director. Such contacts may take place through the embassy, this is routine work. We are in contact with the opposition on a daily basis."

"We have always said that we are working with a wide range of the opposition. The Russian foreign minister and his deputy have repeatedly stated that we do not rule out contacts with the Free Syrian Army. Moreover, we ask our partners to provide specific information on them, we are trying to work with them," Zakharova said.

"The Syrian opposition is multifaceted, versatile, many call themselves representatives of the Free Syrian Army. Our task is to understand who they are," the diplomat said. "We have stepped up contacts with the opposition, including in connection with the meeting in Vienna."