UN envoy to Syria says victory over terrorism requires political transition

The United Nations Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura said it remains unclear when the next round of UN brokered intra-Syrian talks will take place, stressing on the link between eradicating terrorism and political transition in the country.

“We learned that when you convene a conference or talks or intra-Syrian talks, you want to make sure that it has good chances of success,” de Mistura told the press at the conclusion of closed consultations with the Security Council in New York.

He added: “Having just a conference for the sake of a conference, we can do that any time but that’s not the purpose.”

De Mistura said “everyone agrees that political transition is a priority and no one is denying it”.

The Syrian opposition delegation suspended its participation in the Geneva III talks earlier in April in protest at the “deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground in Syria”.