Opposition calls for release of female political prisoners
Thursday 07 February 2013
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EmailSyrian opposition chief Mouaz al-Khatib demanded today that the government of Bashar al-Assad releases all female political prisoners as a precondition of talks.
But it appeared to just be a way to defuse tension in his own ranks.
The government has previously ignored Mr Khatib's offer for talks and officials have often said that any dialogue must begin without preconditions.
His offer, made last week, drove a wedge between him and other Syrian National Alliance members, who refuse to work with the government.
Mr Khatib added that letting the women go should be the first step in releasing the 160,000 political prisoners he accuses the government of holding.
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