Lavrov will discuss with de Mistura schedule of launching sub-groups on Syria - deputy foreign minister

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United Nations special envoy for the Syrian crisis Staffan de Mistura will discuss at their meeting launching working sub-groups on settling the crisis and other aspects of resolving the conflict on the basis of the Geneva Communique, Russian presidential envoy for the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told journalists on Tuesday. "Today, we will discuss these issues. Tasks of stepping up political process will also be discussed. We support soonest launch of working sub-groups that he [de Mistura] should establish," Bogdanov said. "We were satisfied with the news that the Syrian government has almost appointed its main representatives to these four sub-groups. This shows that the Syrian authorities seriously intend to take part in these groups," the diplomat added. "Talking about the opposition, the National Coalition based in Istanbul said it will not participate in the work of these sub-groups even before the latest developments took place. I think that this is not constructive and not really clear," he added. "The situation is complicated now, to some extent even defining. That is why, in our view, effort should be stepped up. There is a basis for that - Geneva Communique from 30 June 2012," Bogdanov concluded. In accordance with de Mistura’s initiative, the working sub-groups of experts should have start contacts to prepare for Geneva III conference last month. Apart from the delegation of the Syrian government, three opposition groups are invited to take part in the work of sub-groups, including the National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces. The sub-groups will work in four major spheres: security and fight against terrorism, political and constitutional reforms, humanitarian situation and process of economic reconstruction. Read more