Says the factors that would help such talks succeed do not exist.

Opposition activists and state television say government forces have killed a prominent army defector who became a rebel leader.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons won this year's Nobel Peace Prize on Friday "for its extensive efforts" to rid the world of such arsenals, the awarding committee said.

Said that awarding Nobel Peace Prize to global chemical watchdog underscores "the credibility" of the Damascus government.

U.S. secretary of state said Bashar Assad's regime deserves credit for its compliance with U.N. resolution.

Conflict has seen rebels turning against each other.

Inspectors charged with the enormous task of overseeing the destruction of Syria's deadly chemical weapons stockpiles raced to meet tight deadlines against the backdrop of civil war.
- Russia: Armed Syrian rebels could join peace talks (AP)

An advance group of weapons inspectors will oversee Syria's destruction of its chemical arms.

Syria's president said his government approved of the U.N.-backed plan.

Landmark unanimous decision would secure and destroy stockpile.