UN warns of partition risk in Syria
(VOVWORLD) - Agreements to de-escalate the fighting in Syria could simplify the conflict and help to stabilize the country, but such accords must be an interim measure and avoid a permanent partition, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Monday.
 UN envoy Staffan de Mistura attends the Geneva peace talks on Syria, July 10, 2017. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
His statement came amid the ongoing seventh round of peace talks in Geneva between the Syrian government and opposition parties. After meeting with the government delegation, De Mistura said he is not expecting breakthroughs during this week's talks, but does hope for some progress. He said discussions are being held in Amman to monitor a ceasefire in southwest Syria brokered by the US and Russia, the first peacemaking effort in this war by President Donald Trump.