Russia’s contacts with Damascus, Syrian opposition aimed at supporting de Mistura’s efforts

MOSCOW, September 3. /TASS/. Russia’s contacts with Damascus and the Syrian opposition are aimed at supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a press-briefing on Thursday. She drew attention to the envoy’s plans to form four working groups and the international Contact Group on the establishment of the political process on the basis of the Geneva communique. "Russia’s practical steps in this direction, contacts with the Syrian opposition and the regional players are aimed at supporting de Mistura’s efforts," the diplomat said. "We believe it’s useful that the UN Secretary-General’s envoy maintains close contacts with the regional parties. The consultations with Damascus on launching the dialogue between the government and the opposition are essential for stopping the bloodshed," Zakharova said. "We are closely monitoring all contacts of de Mistura and study his initiatives." Read more