Russia's top diplomat says he urged de Mistura not to delay intra-Syrian talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that invitations to take part in the talks should be sent to all groups in Syria
ROME, December 2. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that he had called on UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, not to delay the intra-Syrian talks.
"The time is ripe for the compromise," the minister said speaking at the "Mediterranean: Roman Dialogue" conference. "I spoke with Staffan de Mistura today and urged him once again not to delay the beginning of the peace process, not to wait for those who do not want Resolution 2254 to be implemented, which requires the beginning of the necessary political process with a view to approving the transitional government, adopting the Constitution and holding the elections six months later."
"There are certain forces, which say that they want (Syrian President Bashar) Assad to step down before they discuss these prospects, these issues," the minister noted. "In fact, by doing so they violate the UN Security Council resolution."
Lavrov noted that invitations to take part in the talks should be sent to all groups in Syria, adding that they should be ready to discuss various options when they come.