(16.3.2016) Federalism in Syria has been discussed openly in recent weeks after Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov floated the idea in the media ahead of the start of the Geneva talks.

„If as a result of talks, consultations and discussions on Syria‘s future state order…they come to an opinion that namely this [federal] model will work to serve the task of preserving Syria as a united, independent and sovereign nation, then who will object to this?“ Ryabkov said in February.