1st LD Writethru: UN Envoy says Syrian opposition intending to suspend formal presence to peace talks

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on Monday said that the main Syrian opposition delegation, the High Negotiation Committee or HNC, is intending to suspend their formal presence to the ongoing peace talks in the UN headquarters of the Palace des Nations, but will remain staying in Geneva for technical discussions.

"I heard intention of HNC to postpone their formal participation in Palais in negotiations due to ground realities," he told a press briefing.

However, the UN special envoy said that he will continue discussions and consultations with both sides, since "proximity talks are very flexible."

He added that he will review the situation again later on Friday.

Earlier the day the head of the main Syrian opposition delegation, Riad Hijab, said in a series of comments posted on Twitter that the Syrian government and its allies have used the talks as a "pretext" for waging their military campaign, and keeping up its siege of civilian areas.

According to the HNC, to suspend their "formal presence" to the talks is one way for them to express concern and frustration over humanitarian and security situation.

During Monday evening's press briefing, de Mistura said that no one can deny the fighting taking place in some areas particularly in Aleppo and this is becoming "worrisome," but truce is still holding "in many areas."

"Truce is holding in many areas, but increase in fighting is worrisome, humanitarian access is going too slowly," he said, adding that this will be brought into the discussion of the next meeting of the International Syrian Support Group meeting Tuesday and hopefully "we may have tomorrow some convoys moving." Endit