“Australia was excluded from talks about resolving the Syrian conflict after resistance from Russia, according to government sources.”
“A meeting in Vienna on Saturday included representatives of 20 countries or regional groupings, including the United States, Russia, Britain, France, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the Arab League and the United Nations.”
“The foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, asked the United States why Australia was not invited to the first round of talks in October, according to a report published by the Conversation late on Sunday.”
“While the US supported Australia’s inclusion in the November meeting, Russia opposed the participation of Australia and Japan, the report said.”
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/nov/16/australia-excluded-from-syria-peace-talks-after-russian-objection
