Syrian regime delegation joins peace talks in Geneva

By Fatih Erel

GENEVA

The delegation of the Syrian regime joined the eighth round of peace talks in Geneva on Wednesday after delaying its participation for a day.

Following a meeting with Syria regime delegation head Ambassador Bashaar Ja’afari, UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura told reporters: "The atmosphere in the meeting was constructive and professional.

"What I know is that we are intending to renew meetings next week, and we intend to have them next week as well.

“Now if anyone wants to have a weekend off, always they are free to do so, for consultations. What is important is that we have an ongoing process of discussions, and that will be one of the subjects."

About the possibility of direct talks between the regime and opposition delegations, de Mistura said: "We will be discussing all these issues."

The latest Syria peace talks involve a united opposition delegation.

Syrian opposition had called for direct negotiations in Geneva with representatives of the Bashar al-Assad government.

There is only one opposition delegation in the peace talks in Geneva which represents all anti-regime groups in Syria.

Nasr al-Hariri, head of the opposition delegation, will also meet de Mistura.

Noting that Syrian regime delegation has joined the talks, Hariri told reporters before the meeting with de Mistura: "We want to move rapidly as quickly as possible to direct negotiations."

The opposition wants the regime to participate in negotiations for a political transition, a new constitution and elections in Syria.

On Monday, Hariri reiterated that the opposition delegation was aiming for Assad's removal.