Geneva, January 25 (RHC)-- Syria has ruled out the formation of a transitional government the Geneva II talks on the Syria crisis inch closer to a deadlock.  Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi said on Friday that Damascus will not agree to the opposition demand to form a transitional government.

The SNC and its Western supporters insist that President Bashar al-Assad must step down and a transitional government be formed in Syria.  However, Damascus dismisses such a demand, arguing that the foreign-backed coalition does not represent the Syrian opposition.

Russia, a major player in the talks, has also rejected claims the Geneva II conference must result in a regime change in Syria.