(VOVworld) – Syria peace talks due to start this week in Geneva will focus on a transition for this war-torn country, said UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on Tuesday. 

Mohammed Alloush (C), head of the oppistion delegation, at a press conference following the second Syria peace talks in Kazakhstan earlier this month. (Photo: EPA/VNA)

Mistura’s chief of staff, Michael Contet said at a regular UN briefing that Resolution 2254 issued by the UN Security Council to convene formal negotiations on Syria will continue to serve as the main guidance for the peace talks. Contet said the talks will revolve around establishing credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance, a process for drafting a new constitution, and free and fair elections.

The same day, Ahmad Ramadan, spokesman for the opposition National Coalition, said the main issue in this round will be the political transition in Syria. The opposition delegation will propose a comprehensive plan for establishing a transitional government.

The Syria peace talks will open in Geneva on Thursday.