13 April 2016 (UN News): On the first day of a new round of peace talks to end the five-year conflict in Syria, the UN mediator on the crisis emphasized that despite the cessation of hostilities still holding, he is concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in some locations.
Support for political transition
The UN envoy recently returned from visiting Moscow, Amman, Damascus and Teheran, where he said all government officials indicated interest and support in reaching a political transition.
He also indicated that he had the first meeting today with the delegation of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC).
Delegations come to negotiate
Meanwhile, he confirmed that the government delegation will be arriving on Friday:
He concluded his remarks by reminding the press that it is normal for each delegation to state its strong position, but that they do come to negotiate.
