HNC Left Geneva Talks as Syrians 'Unhappy' Over No Humanitarian Progress

Syria’s opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) put on hold its participation in the intra-Syria talks over pressure from its constituencies in Syria that are unsatisfied with lack of progress on humanitarian issue, Niklas Kebbon, Swedish Special Envoy for the Syrian Crisis, told Sputnik on Tuesday.

GENEVA (Sputnik) – On Monday, the HNC announced its decision to suspend its participation in the talks citing serious violations of the cessation of hostilities recently and worsening of the situation with humanitarian aid access.

"I think they are under a lot of pressure by their constituencies inside the country," Kebbon said.

According to Kebbon, lack of progress on issues such as lifting the sieges, on cessation of hostilities and releasing of the detainees is actually regression.

"With all these negative factors, it is difficult for the opposition to justify to their constituencies the reason to stay here. We encourage them to stay, because this is the only way to advocate those issues," the official added.

The new round of intra-Syrian talks began in Geneva on April 13. This round was supposed to focus on Syria's political transition and governance.

Thus, Kebbon thinks that progress in humanitarian issues, sustainable ceasefire, release of the detainees and more pressure on the Syrian government are needed for the intra-Syria talks to continue.

On Monday, the Riyadh-backed Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee (HNC) announced its decision to suspend its participation in the talks citing serious violations of the cessation of hostilities recently and worsening of the situation with humanitarian aid access.

"[UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de] Mistura provided a flexible format for these talks, proximity talks, so we hope they will continue. There needs to be progress on humanitarian issues, cessation of hostilities, detainees, and pressure needs to be brought on the regime — from whoever has influence on it," Kebbon told reporters.

The new round of intra-Syria talks began in Geneva on April 13. This round was supposed to focus on Syria's political transition and governance.