Alfano: Italy supports resumption of the Geneva talks on Syria

I really praise the efforts made during the last round of negotiations in Geneva by the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan De Mistura. While I recognise the commitment and pragmatic, constructive approach taken by the opposition, I deplore the continuing refusal of the Damascus delegation to engage in negotiations by making excuses and laying down preconditions”.
Minister Alfano added “a political solution to the Syrian conflict can only be achieved through the Geneva process, under the auspices of the United Nations and in line with Resolution 2254 of the Security Council. Italy supports the UN approach as illustrated by the Special Envoy, De Mistura, during yesterday’s Security Council session. We urge the Syrian parties – and especially their supporters – to engage in good faith for the  resumption of the Geneva talks”.
Alfano concluded by saying “we expect that any other international initiatives to support the Syrian political process are clearly framed within the Geneva framework and not developed as an alternative to it, to prevent the risk of prolonging the crisis and instability in the country”.