Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin has stated that a new platform for the Constitutional Committee of Syria has not been selected yet. He made this remark to Russian journalists on the sidelines of the 67th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
"Now there is a search for an opportunity to continue the inter-Syrian dialog with the active assistance of the countries of the Astana format. It used to take place in Geneva. Now, Switzerland has largely lost its neutral status, which is essential for the realization of international initiatives. Another place is being selected," Vershinin noted.
A new venue has not yet been chosen, as the consent of the parties and the ability of the countries of the Astana format "to provide effective assistance to find mutually acceptable solutions" are necessary, Vershinin added.
"We have always supported the achievement of a long-term political settlement in Syria on the basis of taking into account the interests of the Syrian people, as well as respect for Syria's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The dialog took place with the decisive role of Russia and the Astana format," the diplomat said.
The last meeting of the Constitutional Committee was held in May 2022 and ended with virtually no results. The next meeting was planned for 2023, but it never took place. The committee meetings were held in Geneva. The Russian side has repeatedly pointed out that Switzerland has lost its status as a neutral venue, including in connection with problems in issuing visas to delegates.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: anjči/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS