UN to set up intra-Syrian working groups to move sides closer

New York -The UN special envoy for Syria said the agency planed to set up intra-Syrian working groups to move warring sides closer to ending the conflict.
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Staffan de’Mistura, UN Special Envoy said that the warring sides should find ways to implement the peace process previously agreed upon by all sides.
de’Mistura said this on Wednesday while addressing the UN Security Council in New York that Syrian parties needed to begin talking to each other and decide on a way forward on how to implement the 2012 Geneva Communique, which laid out a peace process.
“I now intend to invite Syrians to parallel, or simultaneous, thematic discussions through intra-Syrian working groups addressing the key aspects of the Geneva Communique.
de’Mistura said that the working groups would focus on four areas, which include safety and protection, including ending sieges and ensuring medical access and political and constitutional issues, such setting up a transitional governing body and elections.
He said that others are military and security issues, including counter-terrorism and ceasefires; and public institutions and development, focusing on how to deliver public services.
The special envoy said that the working groups would start generating movement toward a Syrian-owned framework document on the implementation of the Geneva Communique.
de’Mistura said that the recommendation was the outcome of his exploratory peace talks in Geneva in May with individual parties aimed at developing the basis for a new round of full negotiations.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who increasingly feels the damage done to the UN’s reputation by the council’s failure over Syria, has called on the 15-member body to support de’Mistura’s plan.
“Today, I ask the Security Council to endorse Mr de’Mistura’s recommendations and work with the Syrian parties to convince them to participate constructively in this proposed process.
Ban said that the council had a responsibility to support the political process by acting to de-escalate the conflict. (dpa/NAN)