De Mistura to meet delegations of Syrian Arab Republic and “Riyadh opposition” on Monday

Geneva, SANA –The United Nations said on Sunday that its Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura will meet Monday the delegations of the Syrian Arab Republic and “al-Riyadh opposition” in the framework of the intra-Syrian dialogue.

“De Mistura will meet the delegation of Syrian Arab Republic at 12:00, then he will meet the opposition delegation at  18:00,” a statement by UN said.

De Mistura “optimistic” and “determined” to hold on to intra-Syrian talks

Meanwhile, de Mistura expressed his optimism and determination to hold on to the Syrian-Syrian talks in Geneva.

He added in a short statement after an informal meeting he held with the Riyadh opposition delegation in one of Geneva hotels that there is hard work being done, adding “I am optimistic and determined because it’s a historic occasion not to be missed.”

It is still unclear whether the delegation would agree to an official meeting at the UN headquarters later, said de Mistura, adding it is up to them to let him know.

Members of the Riyadh opposition delegation had threatened to walk away from Geneva talks, only hours after they arrived late to the Swiss city flying on board a Saudi plane, if “their demands” were not to be met.

Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, head of the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic to the talks, said the delayed attendance of the Riyadh opposition delegation is a sign of “lack of seriousness and responsibility”.

M. al-Frieh/H. Said/Mazen

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