The Syrian government is ready to participate in the Geneva talks on a Syrian settlement, scheduled for January 25th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country Walid Muallem told the UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura today.
Moallem stressed the need to create a list of the representatives of the Syrian opposition who will participate in the negotiations. In addition, the Foreign Minister noted that the government needs to get a list of the terrorist organizations, RIA Novosti writes.
It is expected that inter-Syrian negotiations on a settlement of the situation in the country should begin in Geneva on January 25th.
Earlier, leaders of the Syrian opposition stated to the UN special envoy on Syria, Staffan de Mistura, that Damascus must take confidence-building steps, including the release of prisoners and halting the bombing of civilian areas before negotiations start. According to preliminary data, the requirements proposed for discussion at the meeting with de Mistura by the opposition leaders correspond to the UN Security Council resolution adopted on December 18th, which approved the international road map for a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis.
The opposition also demands that the government lifts the blockade of the rebel-controlled areas, releases the detainees and ceases the attacks with the use of barrel bombs before the parties begin negotiations.
