The two sides laid out starkly different visions of what talks would bring.

The Syrian government said Wednesday it will participate in U.N.-sponsored peace talks aimed at ending the country's civil war, but insisted that it is not going to the conference to hand over power.

Added that the international community must "prove its seriousness" by forcing Damascus to agree on trust-building measures.

Syrian government will meet oppo in attempt to halt brutal civil war.

Step is meant to stop rival groups from seizing more opposition-held territory.

Gov't troops managing to hold on to complex near oppo-held city.

Report warns entire families are being pushed into a cycle of poverty.

Possible alternative to finding a country willing to host destruction.

An al-Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings that struck outside the Iranian Embassy in Beirut on Tuesday, killing 23 people, including an Iranian diplomat.

Reports regime forces in control of area near Lebanese border.