GENEVA (Sputnik) — The recent negotiations between Damascus and the Syrian opposition held in Astana constituted a significant contribution to the progress of the intra-Syria settlement, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura's spokeswoman Yara Sharif said Friday.
"Astana talks have provided a remarkable contribution for the exerted efforts to push for peace in Syria," Sharif said.
De Mistura's spokeswoman reminded that the Astana negotiations had resulted in three main results, namely a dialogue between Damascus and the opposition, in creation of a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire and a joint statement made by Russia, Turkey and Iran that strengthens the ceasefire in the crisis-torn Syria.
"The UN stands ready to assist the parties to the trilateral mechanism in further development if needed and ensuring and strengthening of the ceasefire's quality," Sharif said.
De Mistura's spokeswoman stressed that the comprehensive ceasefire in Syria is pivotal for reaching a political solution "which is the only path of achieving peace" in the country.