Arabi: Russian troops withdrawal "positive step" to render successful Geneva talks

Arab League Secretary General Nabil el Arabi voiced hope that withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria would provide the appropriate atmosphere for rendering successful Geneva talks that were opened two days ago between the Syrian government and opposition representatives.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Arabi said the decision taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin came in a proper time, terming it as "important positive step" towards enhancing efforts of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to render successful Geneva talks that are held under the auspices of the UN and maintain the ceasefire reached in Syria.

Arabi said the Arab League supported all efforts exerted by UN envoy Staffan de Mistura in order to bring closer viewpoints of the Syrian opposition and government based on the final communique of Geneva I talks held in 2012 and the ISSG statement issued in Vienna. 

The Arab League chief called on all Syrian parties to be wise and flexible and place high the interests of the Syrian people in order to reach a final agreement on the steps of the transitional phase that could achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people, maintain unity, integrity and regional safety of the Syrian territories.

Source : MENA