Syria's ally Russia says there should be talks between the Syrian government and the "full spectrum" of opposition.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also urged an intensification of efforts to find a political solution to the war.
Mr Lavrov was speaking at a meeting between Russia and Syrian opponents Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the US.
On Thursday, President Putin suggested the Syrian regime could be ready to work with some rebel groups against the so-called Islamic State.
Mr Putin said President Assad had agreed to the idea on a recent visit to Moscow,
Speaking at the start of talks in Vienna on Friday, Mr Lavrov said: "Our common position is that we need to boost efforts for the political process in the Syrian settlement.
"This foresees the start of full-scale talks between representatives of the Syrian government and the full spectrum of the Syrian opposition, both domestic and external - with the support of outside players."
Mr Lavrov did not define exactly which opposition groups should be included.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, who also attended, said the talks had been "constructive" and that an expanded round of negotiations could take place next week.
The US, Turkey and Saudi Arabia all support rebel groups fighting the Syrian government. Russia backs President Assad and hosted him on Tuesday in a visit criticised by the US.
Russia has been bombing targets in Syria since last month. It says it is primarily hitting IS, but Western powers say most of the air strikes have hit rebel groups, including those backed by the West and Gulf states.
'Successful offensive'
However, Vladimir Putin's spokesman said on the BBC's HARDtalk programme that Russia's intervention in Syria was not an attempt to prop up President Assad but rather an attempt to save the country and the region from falling under the sway of terrorists.
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Link to Full Article:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34618472
