Syrian Government Delegation Arrives in Geneva for Intra-Syrian Talks


TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Syrian government delegation arrived in Geneva on Monday to attend long-waited talks aimed at ending Syria's civil war.

The delegation, headed by Syrian UN Ambassador Bashar Jaafari, is in Geneva to hold talks with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, Sputnik News reported.

The first round of the renewed intra-Syrian talks is expected to last until March 24.

The United Nations special envoy for Syria said on Monday that the resumption of peace talks between Syrian government envoys and representatives of the opposition is a "moment of truth" for the war-torn nation.

Staffan de Mistura spoke to reporters moments before resuming "proximity talks" in Geneva, a month after suspending them amid an upsurge in violence in Syria.

Repeating his line that there is no "plan B" - other than a return to war - de Mistura asked to hear from all sides of the conflict, but said he would have no hesitation in calling in the big powers, led by the United States and Russia, if the talks get bogged down.