MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The first round of 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.
“The substantive part of the talks will begin on Monday, March 14. They will last not beyond the 24th,” he said.
He added that the talks should be primarily focused on issues of “new governance, constitution and future election both presidential and parliamentarian” while the issues of ceasefire and humanitarian access should be discussed at the specialized task forces rather than at the talks.
On February 22, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on the ceasefire in Syria. The ceasefire took effect on February 27. It does not apply to terrorist groups operating in the country.
