Consultations in Geneva to prepare for the International conference on Syria

PRESS RELEASE

On the 5 November, another round of consultations in the Russia-UN-United States format for the purposes of preparation for the International conference on Syria was held in Geneva. It was attended by the following: from Russia – the Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Gennadiy Gatilov, from the United States – the Under Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman, from the UN – the Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi.

In practical terms, specific issues related to the preparation of Geneva-2 were reviewed, on the basis of our joint commitment to a political and diplomatic solution of the Syrian crisis through convention of the International conference. The Russian party spoke in favour of forming a representative delegation of the Syrian opposition, and noted the need for inviting all the key regional states to the conference, including Iran.

During these consultations, it was stated that, bearing in mind the lack of readiness of the opponents of the SAR Government to provide consent to their participation in inter-Syrian negotiations, which would result in full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012, without preconditions, it was agreed to hold an additional meeting in Geneva in the same composition on the 25 November, to coordinate the remaining issues related to the organisation of Geneva-2.

A review of all the aspects of settlement of the Syrian crisis continued during the meeting of the five permanent UNSC members, after which delegations ofSyria's neighbours, the League of Arab States and international humanitarian agencies, which work in Syria, joined them.

Representatives of international humanitarian organisations informed on the work they carry out in Syria and highlighted the urgent nature of the efforts to prevent further degradation of the humanitarian situation in the country and in the region.

In general, these consultations confirmed the need for the faster launching of the political process in Syria by holding the International conference – inter-Syrian negotiations regarding full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué will become its core issue. The Russian party is ready to continue intensive work with the Syrian parties and international partners for the implementation of this task.

6 November 2013