- Title: U.N. looking for 'positive contribution' by Syrian government in Geneva talks
- Date: 13th May 2017
- Summary: DAMASCUS, SYRIA (MAY 13, 2017) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN DAMASCUS U.N. DEPUTY SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA, RAMZY EZZELDIN RAMZY, GETTING OUT OF CAR OUTSIDE HOTEL RAMZY WALKING TO REPORTERS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) U.N. DEPUTY SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA, RAMZY EZZELDIN RAMZY, SAYING: "We are looking for a positive and constructive contribution by the Syrian government to make this meeting successful which we consider important but as I mentioned before, it will be brief and focused." RAMZY WITH REPORTERS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) U.N. DEPUTY SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA, RAMZY EZZELDIN RAMZY, SAYING: "The position of the United Nations is to move towards direct talks as soon as possible but I think that this has not been reached yet. Geneva talks are important because it reflects the international legitimacy represented by the U.N. resolutions and they talk about main principles. I think Syrians -- no matter what their political position -- are committed and ensure the necessity of respecting these principles that are the unity of Syria's territories, respecting Syrian sovereignty and the nature of future Syria. All these are important subjects and I think there is a movement to accept many things and we will see in the coming days." RAMZY WALKING INTO HOTEL
- Embargoed: 27th May 2017 12:38
- Keywords: Syria Geneva talks United Nations
- Location: DAMASCUS, SYRIA
- City: DAMASCUS, SYRIA
- Country: Syria
- Topics: Government/Politics,United Nations
- Reuters ID: LVA0016GO7Q6F
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The United Nations is looking for positive contribution by Syrian government in the upcoming Geneva talks, U.N. Deputy Special Envoy For Syria, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy said on Saturday (May 13).
Ramzy arrived in Damascus on Saturday and met Syrian deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Meqdad to discuss preparations for the upcoming talks.
Ramzy said there will be not direct talks between the Syrian government and opposition and the meeting will be brief and focused.
U.N. envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura has said a new round of "proximity" talks with Syrian government negotiators and with the opposition will take place in Geneva from May 16 to 19, to take advantage of promising developments after the deal agreed in Astana this month.
One of the agreements in the Astana memorandum is an exchange of released detainees from both sides, a point that has nearly been finalised, de Mistura said. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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