Delay of start of intra-Syrian talks indicates second party's intentions are not serious - head of Damascus delegation
GENEVA. Jan 31 (Interfax) - Long hesitation by the opposition before the arrival to Geneva indicates that their intentions are not serious, head of the Damascus delegation Bashar Jaafari said.
"The negotiations were due to begin on January 25. Now this is the 31st. The second party has protracted the decision by six days. This indicates that their intentions are not serious," he told reporters on Sunday.
"Those who put forth preliminary conditions do not seek a true settlement of the crisis," he also said.
During consultations with UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura in Geneva on Sunday, the delegation of the Syrian opposition will give 48 hours for the fulfillment of conditions for beginning negotiations with Damascus, a source close to the opposition's group of negotiators previously told Interfax.
"The delegation will give 48 hours for fulfilling the conditions: lifting the blockade and halting the attacks on civilians. If that is not done in that time, they will leave the negotiations," he said.