The Syrian government says the UN-Arab League envoy has overstepped his role as mediator by criticising plans to hold a presidential election amid the country's civil war.
"The comments of Lakhdar Brahimi about the presidential election do not fall within the framework of his mission," state television quoted Information Minister Omran Zohbi as saying on Friday.
"Brahimi must respect his role as mediator, and be honest and impartial. His comments exceeded his authority," Zohbi said.
Brahimi had expressed concern that going ahead with a planned poll in the coming months could make further peace negotiations impossible.
"If there is an election, my suspicion is the opposition, all the oppositions, will probably not be interested in talking to the government," Brahimi told the UN Security Council.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Syria's parliament approved a law Thursday that would effectively bar any member of the exiled opposition from running in the election, virtually guaranteeing President Bashar al-Assad another seven-year term.
The external opposition and rebels fighting on the ground have insisted they will not accept any peace agreement that does not include Assad's exit from power.
Two rounds of peace talks hosted by Brahimi earlier this year made no visible progress towards ending the civil war, which has claimed an estimated 140,000 lives and displaced millions.
