German’s Foreign Minister has called for the formation of a transitional government in Syria, as Berlin has said any talks on ending the conflict should involve President Bashar al-Assad.

On Sunday, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said talks should be held between regional countries, the EU states and the US and Russia "towards the foundation of a transitional government."

He added that “common interest” must be found between those who say Assad should remain in office and those who differ on the matter.

Last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “We have to speak with many actors, this includes Assad, but others as well. Not only with the United States of America, Russia, but with important regional partners, Iran, and Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia.”

Steinmeier’s comments come as other European governments are changing their policies towards Syria.

On September 22, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said a diplomatic resolution to Syria’s crisis is impossible without Assad.

“If we require, even before negotiations start, that Assad step down, we won't get far,” Fabius was quoted as saying the French daily Le Figaro.

The foreign-sponsored conflict in Syria has reportedly claimed about 250,000 lives since March 2011.