Gatilov: Intra-Syrian Talks Should Not Be Taken Hostage by Desires, Whims of Single “Opposition” Group

MOSCOW — The intra-Syrian dialogue must be immediately resumed in the format of direct talks, according to the Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Gennady Gatilov.

“We believe that negotiations must resume as soon as possible. There should be no artificial delays,” Gatilov told RIA Novosti in an interview.

According to Gatilov, every effort should be made to the negotiation process on Syria to restart.

 “Moreover, it is desirable to run it in the format of direct negotiations between the parties, between the government delegation and the opposition,” he added.

According to him, there is still no unity in the opposition camp.

“This creates a very serious obstacle for the launch of a substantive negotiation process,” Gatilov said.

A single Syrian opposition group must not dictate its demands on intra-Syrian peace talks, the deputy foreign minister stressed.

“And of course it [the peace process] must not be taken hostage by desires, whims of a single opposition group. It must not dictate its demands,” Gatilov told RIA Novosti.

He added that “the situation is already difficult.”

Gatilov expressed his confidence that it is up to the international community to act to relaunch the peace talks.

“As we all know, High Negotiations Committee delegation left the latest round in Geneva while the government delegation reiterated its participation in the talks and its readiness to continue them. And now the situation [on future talks] is unclear,” he concluded.

Gatilov also underscored that Russia and the United States have reached a certain progress in military coordination in Syria, though some problems remain unresolved, as it is difficult to set ceasefire in districts, where terrorists and the so-called moderate opposition are present.

Sputnik

H.M