De Mistura Urges Intensifying Anti-Terror Efforts, Implementing Relevant Security Council Resolutions
GENEVA, (ST)- The UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has urged intensifying anti- terror efforts and implementing the Security Council resolutions relating to funding and arming terrorists.
In a press conference in Geneva Friday night, de Mistura said “the big change in the tone of speech at the Security Council regarding finding a solution to the crisis in Syria was the result of accumulated efforts exerted in Astana, Amman and Hamburg meetings and of the insistence of all influential parties to put mechanisms that help prepare for a solution to this crisis.”
“We have just concluded the seventh round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva and we have achieved some progress and established a consultative commission as to deeply study the decisions and discuss technical details of several issues, de Mistura said, according to a report by the Syrian news agency SANA.
Most of the meetings between the Syrian Arab Republic delegation and de Mistura in Geneva dealt with the issue of terrorism fighting and the latest developments relating to the fight against terror in Syria.
“Technical meetings achieved big steps, built confidence and discussed the 12-point paper,” de Mistura said.
He added that the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic presented their view point on some issues of special importance to the constitutional side. The delegation announced readiness to cooperate and discuss the four baskets and present ideas about the topics in the coming round of Geneva talks which is expected to be held in September, and which will hopefully bring all parties to sit in one hall, de Mistura clarified.
The UN envoy pointed out that the fighting terrorism file was discussed at the highest level and the fight against terrorism will only be against the organizations classified by the Security Council as terrorists.
Replying a question put forward by SANA on the possibility of putting pressure on the countries involved in supporting terrorism in Syria to stop funding terrorist groups, de Mistura said “we have contacts with all countries concerned in the Syrian issue and all countries respect Security Council resolutions on fighting terrorism, and today we remind the Security Council of the need to implement all the resolutions adopted about this issue.
De Mistura expected the intensifying of the efforts exerted to fight terrorism in Syria under the umbrella of the United Nations, noting the need that these efforts be tangible in terms of protecting civilians and respecting international laws.
He pointed out that the best guarantee for fighting terrorism is reaching an inclusive political solution led by the Syrian people with all its components within the framework of the international resolutions.
Concerning priorities in the coming era, de Mistura said “priorities before the coming meeting in Geneva will be given to supporting dialogue among the opposition platforms in order to reach a unified delegation. Priority will also be given to cooperation with all sides as to perpetuate the de-escalation zones in Syria due to their importance in enhancing credibility among the Syrians, pointing out that both tracks in Astana and Geneva support and complete each others.
He noted the support he has been receiving from the Security Council for his efforts particularly concerning the fight against terrorism in Syria, stressing that fighting terrorism was a priority at Paris and Hamburg meetings as well as in the talks between the Russians and the Americans.
On the continuity of the unilateral coercive economic measures which have been imposed on the Syrian people, de Mistura said “the economic sanctions issue was not discussed at the Security Council meeting today and when it will be put for discussion we will express our view on it.”
Hamda Mustafa