"I suppose it will still be an indirect dialogue [during the next round of Syrian peace talks], although it's clear that it is possible to start real work only after all Syrian sides gather at the negotiating table. There are no conditions for this as of now, mainly because of the High Negotiations Committee [HNC], which gave itself that name, is being capricious under the negative influence of outside sponsors, predominantly Turkey," Lavrov said.
"Turkey single-handedly blocks the Democratic Union Party from fully joining the negotiation process. It is one of the largest Kurdish parties, which fights against terrorist and controls a big territory in Syria, that's why it is pointless to discuss the constitution without it, of course, and even steps to form transitional structures from the government and opposition members who will have the right to prepare such a constitution," Lavrov said.
The Saudi-backed Syrian High Negotiations Committee (HNC) opposition group should stop sabotaging the peace process and adhere to the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 reaffirming previous assertions of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition, Sergei Lavrov told Sputnik.
"It is necessary that the opposition that calls itself the HNC stops sabotage and is strictly guided by what is written in the resolution: that the Syrians themselves must sit down and determine the fate of their country," Lavrov said.
"Surely I think that the Geneva round [of talks] will resume this month. At least, [UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan] de Mistura is planning for it and we are actively encouraging him to do so."
"The next round, which as I said is expected this month, will see UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura formulating directions for further discussions," the minister said.
