"We are certainly hopeful that the diplomatic process will continue on the course that has been going on," Haq said. "It’s a good sign that the talks were able to continue although, as you know, there was no particular breakthrough or resolution of issues there but we want to keep the process going."
Haq refused to comment on the reported intention of European Union member states to introduce sanctions against Syrian scientists, saying regional groups are to explain their own decisions.
The newspaper, citing UK officials, reported that the sanctions would target 16 scientists of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center accused by Washington of producing the chemical and ballistic weapons. The list including their names is expected to be published by Brussels on Monday.
On July 15, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said the seventh round of intra-Syrian talks concluded without breakthroughs or breakdowns. De Mistura said the next round of talks will take place in Geneva in early September.
