De Mistura: Intra-Syrian Negotiations 'Only Way' to Peace

The only way to secure peace in Syria is through political intra-Syrian negotiating process under the auspices of the United Nations, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said Tuesday in a press conference in Astana following the conclusion of Syria talks there. 
"When we came here to Astana our immediate priority was to ensure the consolidation of the ceasefire. Syrian people are desperate in their need for an end to the ongoing brutal and bloody conflict," he said. 
"Let me commend Russia, Turkey and Iran for their decision to establish a trilateral mechanism to observe and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire," he added. 
De Mistura said the emphasis put on strengthening the implemented ceasefire will help in establishing a positive atmosphere between the two negotiating parties. "This is important in order to jumpstart the convening of the formal political negotiating process under U.N. auspices in Geneva next month." "The only way for peace to come to Syria is through a political solution brought about through intra-Syrian negotiations under the aegis the U.N.," he added. 
The Astana talks launched on Monday with the participation of delegations representing the Syrian regime, the opposition, Russia, Turkey and Iran along with the U.N. envoy and the U.S. Ambassador to Astana, George Krol. 
A joint final statement said the engaged parties encourage the members of the international community to support the political process and implement all measures which have been concurred with the UNSC. "We have made a decision to actively cooperate on the Astana platform with the U.N. support to ensure the Syrian political process contribute to the global processes and execution of the Resolution 2254."

Source: QNA