Moscow, Ready to Help UN Implement ‘Four Baskets’ on Syria

MOSCOW- Russia is prepared to assist the political settlement in Syria and help the United Nations in implementing the”four baskets” or core issues of debate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the meeting with UN special envoy on Syria, Staffan De Mistura.

“We appreciate this chance to meet shortly after the round of Astana talks ended and a day before the start of intra-Syrian consultations in Geneva,” Lavrov said. “This is an important moment.” Itar Tass reported.

“We will help you coordinate efforts on the “four baskets” – constitution, governance, elections and war on terror,” Lavrov said. “All this was included in the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2254.”

“We want to listen to your ideas, it is important for us to assist in achieving progress in the political settlement,” he said.

 De Mistura Hopes Upcoming Syria Talks to Be More Productive Than Previous Rounds

On his part, de Mistura expressed hope for the upcoming Syria talks in Geneva to be more productive than previous round.

The Syrian Arab Republic delegation headed by Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari has arrived in Geneva to take part in the new round of intra-Syrian talks, according to Sputnik.

The delegation of the opposition group of Riyadh platform headed by Nasr Hariri is expected to arrive on Wednesday afternoon.

“I had a very useful meeting with Minister Sergei Lavrov and his team. We mainly discussed the preparation for the next round of intra-Syrian talks. And the fact is that they should be a follow-up, and hopefully [more] productive [than] the last round,” de Mistura said.

Deputy UN Special Envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy is set to open the new round of Geneva talks on Syrian settlement, set for Thursday. UN Special Envoy for Syria de Mistura will join the talks on Friday.

H.M