Russian diplomats, de Mistura discuss preparation for Syrian national dialogue congress
MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) - Russia provided the necessary explanations for the preparation of a Syrian national dialogue congress to be held in Sochi during consultations held in Geneva by Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov and the Foreign Ministry's special representative for the Middle East, Sergei Vershinin, with the UN Secretary-General's envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura.
"A deepened exchange of views was held on the question of intensifying the political process of settling the Syrian crisis. The Russian side provided the necessary explanations for the Syrian national dialogue congress planned in Sochi. It was stressed that this initiative is aimed at the swift launch of a direct, inclusive negotiating process between the Syrian government and various opposition groups, as well as representatives from the widest strata of Syrian society," the Foreign Ministry said on its website on Tuesday.
"It was noted that the idea of the national dialogue congress is in line with UN Security Council Resolution N2254 and is meant to reinforce the Geneva consultations," the ministry said.
"The parties agreed on the need to pool efforts to intensify the political process, with an emphasis on drafting and approving a new constitution and holding elections, as well as resolving the humanitarian problems of the Syrian population for the purpose of a swift and efficient settlement of the Syrian crisis," the ministry said.