MOSCOW (Sputnik) — In recent months, de Mistura has been holding meetings with the representatives of the parties to the Syrian internal conflict, including representatives of Syrian opposition, in an attempt to stop the fighting.
"The Security Council supports the approach set out by the Special Envoy [de Mistura] that in order to work towards political negotiations and a political transition based on the Geneva Communique, four thematic areas need to be addressed through more focused consultations and discussions with the Syrian parties," the UNSC said in a statement adopted Monday.
De Mistura proposed inviting Syria’s warring parties to join four UN-led separate thematic working groups — on safety and protection, political and legal issues, military, security and counter-terrorism issues, and continuity of public services and reconstruction and development, according to the statement.
Apart from praising de Mistura's work, the Security Council demanded all parties to work urgently towards the comprehensive implementation of the Geneva Communique which includes "the establishment of an inclusive transitional governing body with full executive powers."
After the statement was voiced, Venezuela's Ambassador to UN Rafael Ramirez said his country did not block the statement and supported de Mistura's efforts, but added that two paragraphs violated the principles of the Charter of the UN and Syria's sovereignty.
Syria has been in the state of a civil war since a 2011 political collapse. Government forces have been fighting on multiple fronts, against a moderate opposition and numerous extremist insurgent groups, including Islamic State and the Nusra Front.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Syrian civil war death toll has reached 320,000. The United Nations estimate the number to be above 220,000, including civilians, rebels and government forces.
