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UN envoy re-appeals to U.S., Russia to renew efforts for full ceasefire in Syria

Xinhua, May 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on Monday expressed deep concern over deteriorating situation and continued violence in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, warning that "it is putting the cessation of hostilities at a high risk."

In a statement issued after his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Geneva to discuss ongoing efforts to reaffirm and re-implement the cessation of hostilities throughout Syria, the special envoy re-emphasized his appeal to the United States and Russia to renew their efforts to protect and restore the cessation of hostilities nationwide.

"There can be no progress in the political process unless we urgently see tangible benefits on the ground for the Syrian people," said the special envoy.

The UN representative on Monday also met with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Mohammed al-Jubeir, and underlined the importance of International Syria Support Group members in assisting with the re-implementation of the cessation of hostilities.

De Mistura is scheduled to travel to Moscow Monday night to meet with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, for further discussions on the Syrian situation.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday also urged all parties to the Syrian conflict to end violence and restore the cessation of hostilities during his second day trip here for talks focusing on the Syrian conflict.

Kerry is expected to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov by telephone later Monday.

Kerry arrived here in Geneva Sunday for discussions with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, in an urgent effort to reaffirm the cessation of hostilities nationwide in Syria and seek more support for a political transition. Endit