BEIRUT, Lebanon — The Syrian government announced on Wednesday that it will participate in talks scheduled for January to try to end the country’s civil war but added that its official delegation will attend with the blessing of President Bashar al-Assad and that it does not intend “to hand over power to anyone.”
The statement adds to the difficulties faced by international powers in trying to convene the talks, which are planned to open on Jan. 22 in Geneva. The negotiations are meant to lead to the creation of a transitional government with full executive powers to lead the country out of the crisis. But key issues, including who will attend and the role of Mr. Assad, have yet to be decided, and there is little sign that any of the warring parties are ready to compromise.