THE SNP has denied claims by the pro-UK campaign body that Alex Salmond has "backed down" in the stand-off over televised debates in the run-up to the referendum.
Better Together seized on comments by Nicola Sturgeon after she told the BBC's Daily Politics show she was "sure" that the First Minister would take part in head-to-head clashes with Alistair Darling, the head of the pro-UK campaign, and Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.
But an SNP spokesman insisted the two debates could only take place if the Prime Minister also agreed to appear on TV with Mr Salmond.
The spokesman said: "The key to unlocking the debates issue is for the Prime Minister to agree to a debate.
"If David Cameron agrees to a debate we can have discussions on that basis."
The two sides have been deadlocked over televised debates.
The Prime Minister has refused to debate with Mr Salmond on the grounds the referendum should be decided in Scotland.
Meanwhile, Mr Salmond has refused to debate Mr Darling, claiming that the Prime Minister is playing a key role in the No campaign.
Better Together said it was "good news that Alex Salmond has backed down" in the wake of Ms Sturgeon's remarks.
She had told the BBC: "I am sure that between now and the referendum Alex Salmond will debate with both of those people (Mr Darling and Mr Carmichael) and many others, making the positive case for independence.
"There is no issue or question about that.
"The real question is why will David Cameron not agree to debate with Alex Salmond."
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