Talks on de-escalation zones positively affect opposition’s mood in Geneva

MOSCOW - 15 July 2017: The discussion on de-escalation zones has had a positive impact on the Syrian opposition’s mood in Geneva, Russia’s Permanent Representative at the UN Office and Other International Organizations in the Swiss city Alexey Borodavkin said.

The diplomat said "the Astana process has had a very positive impact on the situation and atmosphere of talks in Geneva," the Russian news agency Tass reported.

The opposition delegation has revised its stance showing more understanding that mending ties with Damascus is necessary for carrying out reforms and changing the constitution in Syria, setting up new governing bodies, holding fair elections and combating terrorism, he said.

"The Astana process and the agreement on de-escalation in four zones have affected the opposition leaders in a positive way," Borodavkin said. "Now they are holding talks much more constructively and try to show flexibility if possible."

Borodavkin said that Moscow believes that the round of talks in Geneva on Syria was constructive and produced positive results. "Yesterday, the seventh round of talks in Geneva ended without any major breakthroughs," Borodavkin said. "We believe the negotiations were constructive and there are positive results.".

Moscow believes that the Syrian government and the opposition may launch direct talks by the new Geneva round in September if the opposition unites on a constructive basis, Borodavkin said.