UN envoy looks forward to meetings, consultations with Syrian opposition envoy in Geneva

The United Nations envoy on the Syria crisis has noted recent decisions taken by the National Coalition of the Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces (SOC) and is looking forward to the arrival of the National Coalition's Envoy in Geneva, where UN facilitated consultations are taking place.

Briefing journalists in New York, Farhan Haq, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura was interested in receiving the Syrian Opposition Coalition's point of view on the Geneva Consultations.

“This is the whole purpose of the exercise,” said Mr. Haq.

The Spokesman added that Mr. de Mistura remains appreciative of ongoing efforts by the Coalition to contribute to a long overdue peaceful solution in Syria.

“The Geneva consultations are a rolling process to seek views of all Syrian and relevant regional and international parties on the operationalization of the Geneva Communiqué,” said Mr. Haq.

The Communiqué was adopted after the first international meeting on the issue on 30 June 2012, and since endorsed by the UN Security Council. It lays out key steps in a process to end the violence. Among others, it calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, with full executive powers and made up by members of the present Government and the opposition and other groups, as part of agreed principles and guidelines for a Syrian-led political transition.

“In this context, Mr. de Mistura continues to meet separately with all Syrian actors from inside and outside Syria. He looks forward to the Syrian Opposition Coalition's engagement in this process,” the Spokesman added.