Syria opposition signals tough line on peace talks

BEIRUT (AP) — Despite recent rebel setbacks in Syria’s civil war, the main opposition bloc signaled a tough line Tuesday on attending possible peace talks with President Bashar Assad’s regime.

Two senior members of the Syrian National Coalition said the group first wants ironclad guarantees of Assad’s departure as part of any transition deal and more weapons for rebel fighters. The group’s final position is to be hashed out in a three-day meeting of its General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey, later this week.