De Mistura: Intra-Syrian Talks in Geneva Should be Held “without Preconditions”

NEW YORK- UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura re-affirmed that the Syrian talks in Geneva should be resumed “without preconditions.”

“We will seek to push for serious talks and will not accept any preconditions from any party. The opposition should show its unity and readiness to speak in one voice without preconditions according to Resolution 2254,” de Mistura told UN Security Council in a video briefing, according to SANA,

He added that the intra-Syrian talks will focus on issues related to constitution, elections then “the rule” and counter-terrorism, affirming that there is no alternative to help Syrians “rebuild procedures of trust” and to resolve the issue of kidnapped people and the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

 De Mistura said that Daesh (ISIS) defeat in Abu Kamal city which was its last fort in Deir Ezzor countryside, can record the end of Daesh. It is time to start the political process, stressing the importance of maintaining the de-escalation zones agreement.

He hailed the outcomes of the meetings held in the Russian city of Sochi in supporting the political process in Geneva, noting that all international players are seeking to reach a political settlement in light of Resolution 2254, urging the Syrians to come to Geneva ready to lay the groundwork for a political solution.

“Last night, we received a message that the government would not travel to Geneva today. Naturally, we hope, and indeed expect the government will be on its way shortly,” de Mistura said on the participation of the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic in 8th round of the Geneva talks.

In a relevant context, he said that the five permanent members of the United Nations’ Security Council will hold a meeting on Tuesday in Geneva, upon a French initiative, affirming his participation in this preparatory meeting.