By REUTERS

Moscow says Assad’s exit cannot be precondition for talks; Brahimi in Moscow Saturday to discuss peace proposals; Russia has invited head of opposition Syrian National Coalition.

ALEPPO PROVINCE, Syria/MOSCOW – Russia invited the leader of Syria’s opposition on Friday to visit for the first time, but the opposition swiftly dismissed a renewed call by Moscow for talks with President Bashar Assad’s government to end the 21-month civil war.

With the rebels advancing over the second half of 2012, diplomats have been searching for months for signs that Assad’s main international backer, Moscow, will withdraw its protection.

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