De Mistura Praises Russia’s Role in Syria Peace Process

 The UN’s special envoy for Syria Staffande Mistura has praised Russia’s “instrumental” role in efforts to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria.

“Moscow has been instrumental to what can be seen as the real momentum in the political solution” in Syria, de Mistura said during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

The UN mediator also said he was hopeful about a new round of intra-Syrian peace talks, which is expected to begin in the Swiss city of Geneva on April 11.

 “We need to further develop the political process, to work on strengthening it, and on further progress. It is the cornerstone of our work,” he said.

Lavrov, for his part, said Russia will do its utmost to support de Mistura’s efforts to arrange direct talks between opposing Syrian sides in Geneva.

“Making negotiations inclusive and aimed at promoting direct dialogue between parties is key in any crisis. We will be supporting you in this as much as we can,” the Russian foreign minister told de Mistura.

Lavrov also stressed that it was very important to make sure that the two parties had made the necessary preparatory work ahead of the next round of talks.

“We believe that it is important now to ensure that each side does well its homework in preparation of the second round,” Lavrov said.

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