Syria opposition to boycott UN talks, cites Russia strikes

The Coalition also criticised de Mistura's plan, saying the formation of a national governing body was being "sidelined" in his proposed working groups.

Syria's key opposition National Coalition said on Sunday it would boycott talks proposed by UN peace envoy Staffan de Mistura over concerns about his plan and Russia's air strikes in the country.

The National Coalition has "decided not to participate in the consultative working groups and considers adherence to the Geneva communique and (UN) Security Council resolutions and an end to Russian aggression to be the basis for the resumption of the negotiation process," it said in a statement.

The Geneva communique is a document agreed at a peace conference in 2012 that drew up baselines for a Syria peace deal including the formation of a transitional governing body with executive powers.

UN envoy de Mistura in July proposed the formation of working groups composed of opposition and government representatives to discuss issues including protecting civilians and reconstruction.

"Russia's aggression represents a violation of international law and support for the regime in killing civilians, committing war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity," the Coalition said.

The air campaign "undermines the chances of success of any political settlement".

The Coalition also criticised de Mistura's plan, saying the formation of a national governing body was being "sidelined" in his proposed working groups.

Source: khaleejtimes.com On photo: Staffan de Mistura (AFP)