A high-ranking Syrian official told Al-Monitor that Damascus authorities found little to praise in a report by Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy to Syria, aimed at leading to peace talks to end the country's civil war.
The official, who asked that his name be withheld, said the report of about 50 pages includes several points that any country keen on its sovereignty and eager to preserve and protect its nation might express reservations about. Some of the proposals in de Mistura’s report may clearly derogate Syrian sovereignty if misinterpreted or misapplied. This leads to the conclusion that the UN envoy's report is inapplicable.
De Mistura’s report mainly stipulates the formation of four working groups that would include representatives of the government and Syrian opposition groups. The groups’ focus would be on four fields: safety and protection, including ending the blockade and ensuring the arrival of medical aid; political and constitutional issues, such as establishing an interim government board and holding elections; military and security issues, including the fight against terrorism and a cease-fire; and public institutions and development, with a focus on reconstruction of the country. The groups would examine political reforms and form a fully powerful transitional authority.
The UN Security Council on Aug. 17 endorsed de Mistura's plan to form the work groups.
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.
