Russia supports Syrian Kurds’ participation in the intra-Syrian talks — diplomat

Russia supports the idea of Syrian Kurds’ participation in the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, Russia’s Permanent Representative at Geneva office of the United Nations and other international organization Alexey Borodavkin said on Friday. "Those [oppositionists] who met in Moscow and Cairo agreed to stand together. This Moscow-Cairo group demands representatives of the Syrian Kurds be invited to the talks," he told journalists. "We support this idea since it looks impossible to discuss the agenda without Syrian Kurds." "Some regional powers insist on excluding the Kurds. We believe we should not yield to this blackmail," he stressed.

The main result of the first day of Geneva talks According to the diplomat, the meeting between UN Special Envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura with the Damascus official delegation is the main result of the first day of the Geneva talks. "The arrival of the Syrian government delegation and its meeting with de Mistura is the main result of the first day of talks. It signals that the [Syrian] government has taken a constructive approach and will be constructive in seeking the achievement of positive results in the interests of the Syrian people," the diplomat said. Geneva talks require flexibility, constructive approach The official also noted that Russia and Syria are united that intra-Syrian talks in Geneva require flexibility and constructive approach. "Ambassador Ja’afari came over to the Russian mission ‘to synchronize watches’ with us regarding the tactic of these indirect talks with mediation of [United Nations Special Envoy on Syria] Staffan de Mistura," Borodavkin said.

"We outlined our views on the course of talks, their format. The Syrian partners shared with us their considerations," he said. "The dialogue took place very constructively, on most issues connected with the start of talks we have a common viewpoint: it’s necessary to behave constructively, display the required flexibility and reach agreements with the opposition in the interests of the entire Syrian people," Borodavkin said. Riyadh-based opposition keeps on advancing preliminary conditions  Borodavkin also pointed out that the Riyadh-based opposition keeps on advancing preliminary conditions for participation in the talks. "As for the group formed in Riyadh, according to our information, they are still in the Saudi capital and keep on advancing preliminary conditions thus demonstrating a non-constructive approach," he stressed. "United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 has it clear that no one can advance any preliminary conditions.".

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