(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Syrian opposition delegates have for the first time called for face-to face talks with government representatives ahead of negotiations which begin today in Geneva.
Previous negotiations have been conducted through a mediator in separate rooms.
The opposition spokesman, Salem al-Muslet said he did not want this round to be like the one a year ago which was fruitless.
The talks are the first UN mediated negotiations on Syria in almost a year, during which time the military situation has changed massively.
“We want to see real seriousness on the negotiations table, this is why we demand direct negotiations to save time because every day costs us and the Syrians more souls, famine and sieges.”
UN mediator Staffan de Mistura said Russia, which has supported President Bashar al-Assad’s military advances, has asked the Syrian government to observe a fragile ceasefire while the talks go on. Likewise the opposition should lessen provocations.
“So I am not expecting an immediate breakthrough from this round of negotiations, but the beginning of a series of rounds that should enable to go much more in depth on the substantive issues that are required for a political solution in Syria,” said Mistura.
Turkey claims to have killed 44 militants in operations around the city in airstrikes and clashes.
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23 February 2017 - 11:58
News ID: 813601
Syrian opposition delegates have for the first time called for face-to face talks with government representatives ahead of negotiations which begin today in Geneva.
