GENEVA (Sputnik) — The US diplomatic source confirmed that Ratney is in Geneva this week and would remain in close contact with the United Nations and with Syrian opposition members at the UN-led talks.
Ratney will also attend the welcoming address by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura with participation of all Syrian sides to the negotiations, scheduled for 3 p.m. local time (14:00 GMT), according to the source.
The International Syria Support Group (ISSG) is invited to attend the welcome address as observers. Russia and the United States are co-chairs of the ISSG.
Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war, with government forces fighting against numerous opposition and terrorist groups, including al-Nusra Front and Daesh, banned in a range of countries, including Russia.