Syrian opposition backs off from Geneva talks

The Saudi-backed Syrian opposition will not attend peace talks in Geneva on Friday, accusing UN’s special envoy to Syria of adopting Russian-Iranian agenda, a senior figure said, Al Arabiya News reported.

Riyad Hijab, who was a former Syrian prime minister and who now works as coordinator for High Negotiations Committee, said his opposition group will not participate in talks without fulfilling their humanitarian demands, which specify stoppage to bombings and starvation of civilians in besieged areas as a condition.

He also said that HNC will not participate in Geneva talks if there was a third group, highlighting the country’s opposition not being on the same page.

Hijab is the highest-ranking defector from the Syrian government

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura had been planning to launch indirect peace talks in the Swiss city on Friday.

“For certain we will not head to Geneva and there will not be a delegation from the High Negotiations Committee tomorrow in Geneva,” George Sabra told Al Arabiya’s sister channel al-Hadath on Thursday.

The United Nations said Thursday there will be “no postponement” for the talks.

Source: MENA