Syrian regime agrees to discuss political transition in Geneva

The Syrian regime has reportedly agreed to discuss the issue of a political transition from the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad to a new system demanded by the opposition during upcoming Geneva talks.

The head of the delegation of the Syrian opposition to Geneva, Nasir Al-Hariri, said earlier that UN envoy Staffan de Mistura had told them that the regime agreed to discuss UN Resolution 2254, which includes the achievement of political transition.

“We have heard from Mr Staffan that due to Russian pressure – which could be a good sign – there is a general acceptance in addressing the issues raised in [UN Security Council] resolution 2254,” the lead negotiator said.

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“Obviously, we are interested in achieving a political transition because it is the only way to accomplish the other issues highlighted in the resolution.”

According to the opposition, Russia has pressured the Assad regime to address the issue of political transition, which the opposition insists should include the removal of Bashar Al-Assad from power.

The Syrian regime chief negotiator, Bashar Al-Jaafari, has repeatedly refused to discuss this issue, which, if confirmed to be true, represents a real breakthrough in the talks.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said he has met with the opposition delegation on Wednesday and described his meeting “a big step forward”.

Gatilov said the Syrian opposition had accepted the UN envoy’s agenda, pointing to the possibility of resuming a new round of negotiations in Geneva on 20 March.