Third round of inter-Syrian talks should be held in Moscow before Geneva III - Syrian ambassador to Russia
MOSCOW. June 28 (Interfax) - Syrian ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad has spoken of the need for holding the third round of inter-Syrian talks in Moscow ahead of Geneva III.
"We should not be going to Geneva III before we reach an agreement. Consultations could be held through Moscow III and agree on outstanding issues on which understanding is lacking and then go to Geneva III. As long as we have not held Moscow III we cannot speak of Geneva III," he said in an interview with Interfax.
"It is precisely for this reason that we are presently asking to arrange Moscow III. It can take place when our Russian friends tell us that everything is ready for it," the ambassador added.
He noted the effectiveness of the previous rounds of the talks between the Syrian sides in Moscow.
"We believe that these rounds were very effective and fruitful. At them we succeeded in finding common points. What Moscow achieved is an accomplishment because it succeeded in calling a certain opposition group to the negotiating table together with representatives of the state. The opposition is divided into several groups and the fact that Russia succeeded in bringing them together for the first time was exceptionally important," the ambassador said.