Syrian opposition: Astana terms must be implemented before Geneva talks

The armed Syrian opposition has insisted that terms agreed to during the Astana peace talks must be implemented and adhered to before further talks can be held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The head of Syrian armed opposition delegation Mohammad Alloush told the Anadolu Agency: “The armed opposition’s position is clear, we went to Astana and received a number of promises, and we are waiting for their application… we cannot go to another place before applying our demands on the ground including the ceasefire, the release of prisoners and detainees, especially women and children, and the lifting of the siege because this contributes to the creation of sound negotiating environment.”

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Remarking on the formation of a unified delegation representing the opposition to Geneva, Alloush said: “Steps and interest on the ground are more important than the composition of the delegation; if Astana commitments became a reality on the ground then involving the rest of the opposition forces becomes a must.”

“In previous rounds there was no guarantor, even the United Nations could not be a guarantor, and did not have the capacity to do so. They stood helpless and said explicitly: We are unable to bring in a box of milk to Madaya and Daria,” he added.

“Russia is a guarantor… but the regime does not respect its commitment before the guarantor.”