ISSG Call for Syrian Political Settlement Time Limits Positive Step

ISSG's statement about the importance the Syrian crisis` political settlement has been a positive sign, one of the leaders of the Moscow-Cairo-formed opposition group told Sputnik Wednesday.

CAIRO (Sputnik) — The statement of International Syria Support Group (ISSG) on the importance of a timeframe for the political settlement of the Syrian crisis has been a positive step, one of the leaders of the Moscow-Cairo-formed opposition group told Sputnik Wednesday.

"Any effort by Russia and the international community is welcomed if it helps to restart talks between the sides in Geneva. It is good that the ISSG statement mentioned the importance of a timeframe for the political process, so it does not become endless and uncontrolled," Jihad Makdissi said.

The foreign ministers of the ISSG held a meeting on Tuesday. A statement was issued at the end of the meeting, calling for the observance of the Syrian ceasefire, progress toward a peaceful political transition and sustained humanitarian access to the areas in need.

The ISSG, co-chaired by Moscow and Washington, was formed in November 2015, shortly after the beginning of the Syria peace talks, as a panel of countries seeking to end bloodshed in Syria. The European Union, the Arab League, China, Iran, Turkey, and the United Nations are members of the group, among other participants.