French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said there is much work ahead at Saturday's meeting in Doha.

"We will try to establish the situation on the ground," he stated. "And see how we can help the opposition coalition and bring about a political outcome. One must not forget that every day dozens and dozens of people are killed in Syria."

French leaders have discussed the possibility of Assad ally Iran joining Geneva talks. Fabius said all those with a "useful position" are welcome, but that means accepting the executive powers of a transitional authority.

"Iran did not accept the aim of the conference, to take part in it. If the new Iranian president made explicit statements to move in this direction, we will see what the position is," noted Fabius.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is pushing for Iran's inclusion and said those who would arm rebels based on what he calls "unconfirmed accusations" of Damascus using chemical weapons will only further destabilize Syria.