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UN works for intra-Syrian talks to start on Jan. 25

Xinhua, January 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

Head of the UN information office at Geneva Ahmad Fawzi told reporters on Friday that though "it is likely that the date of Jan. 25 may slip simply for practical reasons, we are still aiming for that date."

Fawzi explained that the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, will assess developments over the weekend and may take a decision as late as Sunday.

"The talks are intra-Syrian talks, talks between Syrians. The International Syria Support Group (ISSG) will be present in the side-lines, not in the meeting rooms," said Fawzi, who was unable to comment on the format the talks will take.

The Special Envoy has been in contact with members of the ISSG in an effort to find an agreement on the list of participants to the meeting so that official invitations can be sent.

He also confirmed that the special envoy will brief the Geneva press core on Jan. 25 and inform on the progress and assessment of the talks to be held in Geneva's Palais des Nations. Enditem