ASTANA (Sputnik) — Staffan de Mistura expressed gratitude on Tuesday to Russia, Turkey and Iran for their role in mediating the peace process in war-torn Syria, including for their decision to establish a mechanism to ensure the ceasefire regime.
"Let me thank the sponsors of the Meeting – Iran, the Russian Federation and Turkey, for their determination to build on their achievements of last month when they assumed the responsibility of guarantors of a ceasefire regime in Syria," de Mistura said during a press conference following the two-day intra-Syrian talks in Kazakh capital, Astana.
"This is a concrete step towards further implementation of UNSC Resolution 2236," de Mistura said, adding that the UN was ready to assist the parties to the trilateral mechanism "to ensure that it helps strengthen the quality of the ceasefire."
There is no deadline to implement an agreement on the creation of a mechanism to monitor Syria ceasefire, though it should be done as soon as possible, he added.
De Mistura said that the Russian delegation to the Astana talks on Syria made much effort to make them successful.
Speaking to the RT broadcaster, de Mistura said he was very impressed by Alexander Lavrentyev, the head of the Russian delegation and special representative of the Russian president for Syria, who proved that he was a highly professional mediator. The Russian delegation made great efforts, the UN official told the media outlet.
"This is important in order to help, as the statement says, jumpstart the convening of the formal political negotiating process under UN auspices in Geneva next month."
February 8 is still the target date for the UN-mediated talks on the Syrian reconciliation in Geneva, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura told Sputnik, adding that he would have more clarity on the issue after meeting with the UN secretary-general and the Security Council.
"For the time being February 8 is our target date … Everything will be dependent not only on Astana but also on the security council meeting. I'm seeing Secretary General next week and I'm consulting Security Council, that may have an impact on when the time will be perfect for launching of Syrian talks," de Mistura said.
According to him, the invitations to the event in Geneva will be sent just before it begins.
"Normally this time we can do it very close to the date because we have a lot of experience by now," de Mistura added.
It is too early to speak of inviting representatives of 14 Syrian armed opposition groups who attended the talks in Astana to the UN-mediated talks in Geneva, de Mistura told Sputnik.
"I think that's something that I would not discussion the press at the moment. I will have to elaborate what will be the best form to success meeting and how to invite those who represent Syrian government and the opposition," de Mistura said.
According to the UN official, "certainly those who came to Astana are important players."
