Syrian opposition talking to Russia about Deraa peace deal, rebel spokesman says

AMMAN - 30 June 2018: The Syrian opposition began negotiations with Russian officers about an agreement to restore state sovereignty over rebel-held parts of the southern Deraa province, rebel negotiators said on Saturday.

They said a six-member civilian and military committee set up earlier by southern rebels held a preliminary meeting along the administrative borders of neighboring Sweida province.

"The committee held its first meeting with Russian officers who presented their demands," said Ibrahim Jabawi, a spokesman of the central operations room set up by the main Free Syrian Army groups in southern Syria. A second round of talks was expected on Saturday.