DAMASCUS (Sputnik) — Substantive talks on the Syrian peace process in the Swiss city are due to begin by March 14.
"We, as a national patriotic party, support the negotiations, and look forward to the fast cessation of hostilities in Syria," Khalil told RIA Novosti, adding that the party "appreciates the role of [our] Russian friends in the organization of political negotiations."
Talks between the Syrian government and representatives of the country's opposition factions began in Geneva on January 29. On February 3, de Mistura decided to postpone the talks as the parties were unable to reach a compromise on a number of issues. The opposition and government delegations blamed each other for the breakdown of the talks.
On February 22, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on the ceasefire in Syria. The ceasefire took effect at midnight on February 27, Damascus time. It does not apply to terrorist groups operating in the country, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front.
