Attempts to Postpone New Round of Intra-Syrian Talks in Geneva are Inadmissible: Zakharova

MOSCOW-Attempts to postpone a new round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva are inadmissible, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday.

“We fully support the resolute intentions of [UN special envoy for Syria Staffan] de Mistura to resume the intra-Syrian contacts in Geneva and consider attempts to postpone or delay them inadmissible,” Zakharova told reporters, according to Itar Tass.

 The diplomat said some members of Syria’s political and armed opposition have attempted to forestall the outcome of the UN-brokered Geneva talks scheduled for February 20. “Again we hear ultimatum-like preconditions set by the opposition members for their arrival in Geneva.”

They have also demanded apology from de Mistura for his statement on the plans to form the opposition delegation himself if the representatives fail to do that by February 8, Zakharova added.

Zakharova stressed that the UN special envoy should make all efforts to launch the negotiations, adding that “it is important not to miss the current moment of ceasefire.”

Many opposition forces, subjected to external pressure, are pursuing the policy of disrupting the Geneva talks, she added. “We will do our utmost to encourage the UN colleagues by all available means to intensify the process,” the diplomat stated.

H.M