UN postpones Syria political talks until Feb. 20
BEIRUT — The United Nations announced Tuesday that U.N.-sponsored political talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups have been postponed from Feb. 8 until Feb. 20, with a key aim of trying to solidify the cease-fire.
U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura, who will oversee the talks, said that “if the cease-fire becomes as solid as we hope that will only help the serious talks to actually be concrete.”
He said the U.N. also wants to give Syria’s government a chance “to become seriously engaged in concessions” and to give the opposition time to unify its delegation.
De Mistura said invitations will be issued around Feb. 8. He said that if the opposition isn’t united by that date, he will select the delegation himself and ensure it is as inclusive as possible, including adding women, which has not previously been the case.