De Mistura: Today’s Session of Geneva Talks a Step in Track of Political Solution in Syria
NEW YORK, (ST)- The UN Chief’s Special Envoy for Syria Steffan De Mistura has stressed that there is no military solution to the crisis in Syria and that the Syrian people need an end to the crisis to get a better future that meets their aspirations.
He made the remarks during the opening session of the fourth round of the Intra- Syrian talks in Geneva which kicked off Thursday evening with the participation of the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic plus delegations representing “Riyadh opposition” and other opposition groups.
The meeting today is an opportunity to put a basic brick on the track of political solution to the crisis in Syria, said de Mistura, reiterating that there should be no pre-conditions for the talks.
He stressed that “there is no military solution to the crisis, the only solution is political and we will work together to lay the foundation necessary to help attain peace in Syria and maintain its unity and sovereignty.”
On behalf of the United Nations, De Mistura thanked all parties that initiated Astana talks and help reach cessation of hostilities in Syria, affirming that Astana meeting provided an opportunity to proceed in a political track to find settlement in country and “we don’t want to miss this chance.”
In a press conference following the session, de Misrura said “tomorrow I will hold some bilateral meetings with the participating delegations in order to discuss mediation measures in addition to a work plan for this round of talks and to encourage parties to implement Security Council Resolution 2254.
He added “at least we have put a main brick on the track of political solution to the crisis in Syria.”
Hamda Mustafa