Al-Mikdad : Syria Ready to Resume Geneva Intra-Syrian Talks Without Preconditions

DAMASCUS, (ST)-Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faysal al-Mikdad has stressed the Syrian government’s readiness to resume the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva without preconditions and away from any foreign interference.

Al-Mikdad made the remarks during his meeting on Sunday with UN Chief’s Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy and the accompanying delegation. Talks dealt with preparations to resume the Geneva intra-Syrian negotiations within the coming few weeks with the aim of finding a solution to the crisis in Syria.

 The deputy foreign minister affirmed the need that all parties should focus on fighting terrorism. He talked about the latest developments in the city of Aleppo and about President Al-Assad’s initiative through which he offered amnesty to gunmen, who lay down their weapons and turn themselves in as to settle their legal status, and which is a major step  in the road to restore security and stability to Aleppo and the rest of the Syrian provinces.

On his part, Ramzi said the United Nations is keen on doing its best to restore security and stability all over Syria.

He also talked about preparations being made by the office of the UN Chief’s Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura to resume talks between the Syrian sides on the basis of respecting the Syrian people’s interest and will and maintaining the country’s stability.

 Ramzi: Syrian government confirmed participation in Geneva talk late in August

 Talking to reporters, Ramzi said that his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid al-Moallem and his deputy Dr. Fayssal Mikdad on Sunday was part of the ongoing meetings between the envoy’s office and the Syrian government to discuss the political process.

“During the meeting, I talked about some issues related to the political process, including the political transition and how to make it credible,” ramzi said, adding that al-Moallem stressed that the Syrian government sticks to its position and will participate in the talks due to be held within weeks by the end of August.

Ramzy pointed out that head of the UN ‘s office Khawla Matar has concluded her mission in Syria and will be replaced by Stephanie Khoury.

Hamda Mustafa