UNSC urges Syrian government and opposition to participate in Geneva talks constructively and without preconditions

UN, SANA – The UN Security Council called upon the Syrian government and the opposition to participate “constructively and without preconditions” in the next round of Geneva talks on finding a solution to the crisis in Syria.

In a press statement late Friday, members of the Council called on the parties to fully implement the cease-fire established in December and urged countries supporting both sides to use their influence “to help build confidence” and ensure delivery of
humanitarian aid.

They strongly reiterated support to U.N. special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura’s efforts to facilitate a settlement of the crisis in Syria based on the June 2012 Geneva agreement.

Last Wednesday, de Mistura called for holding a new round of UN-backed intra-Syrian talks in Geneva on March 23. De Mistura said in a press conference in New York that Syria’s government and opposition groups are invited to resume peace talks in Geneva on March 23.”

Talks will be indirect and will focus on governance, constitutional process, elections and counter- terrorism and there may also be discussions on reconstruction, de Mistura added.

H. Zain/ H. Said