Opposition’s HNC supports military delegation at Astana

The Syrian opposition’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC) expressed Saturday its support for the opposition’s military delegation that would participate at the planned Astana talks sponsored by Turkey and Russia.

The HNC, after meeting for two days in Riyadh, released a statement expressing support for the opposition’s military delegation and readiness to provide support and advice.  

The Committee expressed hope that the meeting in Astana would “reinforce the truce and establish and phase of confidence through the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254, especially articles 12, 13 and 14 concerning ending sieges of cities and towns, delivering aid and releasing detainees.” 

The HNC said it appreciates the efforts to make the Astana talks successful. The committee hopes the meeting would pave the way for the next round of political talks planned by UN next month in Geneva. 

The HNC stressed that discussing the political track should be held under the sponsorship of the United Nations and according to the Geneva Communique and relevant UN resolutions. 

The statement emphasized the importance of implementing the ceasefire and making sure it covers all of Syria.

The HNC warned of the danger of the ceasefire violations by Iran-backed militias and Assad regime, especially in Wadi Barada. 

The Astana talks are scheduled to be held on the 23rd of this month (January). The negotiations are brokered by Turkey and Russia and are intended to build on the Syria ceasefire that was declared in Ankara last December.

A countrywide ceasefire in Syria was declared on Thursday (29 December 2016), after Turkey, Russia and opposition fighting groups reached a deal in the Turkish capital Ankara. According to the deal, Turkey and Russia would act as guarantor countries for the implementation of the ceasefire.