de Mistura Holds 4 Meetings with Moscow-Cairo- Istana Platforms

In the meeting that lasted for approximately one and a half hour, an exchange of views regarding Geneva prospects took place, besides the preparations for the next round expected next May. The two sides stressed the need for protecting and consolidating the truce in Syria, as one of the preludes of putting an end to the devastating and existence- threatening humanitarian catastrophe hitting Syria.

Wednesday meeting came in the after wake of similar but expanded meeting between Mr. de Mistura and the delegation pf Moscow-Cairo-Istana Platforms, always at UN HQ in Geneva.

Tuesday’s meeting that lasted also for an hour and a half continued with scrutinizing the papers presented by Moscow-Istana Platforms, on one hand, and by Cairo  Platform on the other, on their concepts and perceptions with regard to the Transitional Period, including precisely, the Transitional Governing Body. The meeting spoke, as well, about the future steps by the Special Envoy as part of his efforts to crystalize the political solution of the Syrian crisis, based on UNSCR 2254, that forms along with other relevant international resolutions and  statements, the basis for summoning Geneva-3.
The two meetings came within the context of de Mistura’s declaration that Geneva Intra-Syria Talks, aiming at reaching the political solution of the Syria crisis, on the basis of 2254, and all the related previous and following resolutions and statements, will continue with who is around, commenting on the suspension by the Riyadh delegation to its participation in the process.

During the meeting, de Mistura told the Syrian opposition delegation that he will announce during the coming few day the date for the next round of Geneva-3, expected in May.

Members of the Secular Democratic Delegation emanating from Moscow- Istana Platforms told the Special Envoy that the only strategic way to fixing the fragile and violated truce is through continuing with and advancing Geneva negotiations, and turning them successful in reaching their goals of stopping the Syria bloodshed, preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, and securing the needed political transition.

The Secular Democratic Delegation held as well a series of side meetings with a number of foreign diplomats who follow the talks, besides a number of experts from de Mistura’s team, as well as few participating delegations or representatives of delegations.

Worth mentioning that Mr. de Mistura had convened two other meetings with the delegation of Moscow- Cairo- Istana Platforms during April round of Geneva-3, on Thursday 14th and Tuesday 19th. And while some observers bet on the role played by the rational prepositions of the three platforms, especially those of Moscow platform, towards realizing a realistic and practical solution, members of the Secular Democratic Delegation always describe their meetings with the Special Envoy as constructive, frank, and in-depth.