UN special Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura. Photo: UN
Ekurd.net – May 6, 2015
GENEVA,— UN special Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has begun talks with Syrian opposition forces in Geneva as part of efforts to reach a solution to the crisis in the country. The PYD (Democratic Union Party) of Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), is attending the talks with a three person delegation.
UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura announced at a press conference that a political solution to the crisis in Syria was inevitable.
‘These talks should not be seen as Geneva 3’
Staffan de Mistura said these consultation talks should not be seen as Geneva 3 and that following the consultations with the various groups they would decide on how to move forward. Staffan de Mistura then answered questions from journalists.
Salih Muslim: PYD officially at UN talks
PYD Co-president Salih Muslim said they would hold talks with UN officials in the coming days regarding a political solution. He added that a three-person delegation would represent the PYD at the talks, with the focus being on producing a democratic solution. Muslim said the Geneva 1 and Geneva 2 meetings had not been successful on account of there not including all forces. He said they found it significant that all forces had been invited to these talks.
‘No one can keep the PYD outside the equation’
Muslim said they would in particular emphasis the importance of the cantonal system in Syrian Kurdistan at the talks, adding: “We believe that the existence of this system will democratise Syria.”
Muslim added that from the outset the PYD had been in favour of a political solution in Syria, saying: ”No one can keep the PYD outside the equation.”
The talks are expected to begin in Geneva on Monday and go on for 5 to 6 weeks. A report containing the demands of the various parties and the special envoy’s recommendations will then be submitted to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
By Serkan Demirel
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