Syrian government and opposition delegates to peace talks in Geneva on Saturday warned of the impact on negotiations after a day of violence in Syria that included jihadist suicide bombings and missile strikes by the air force.
The United Nations opened the peace talks with a symbolic ceremony on Thursday in Geneva, attended by representatives of the warring sides. But there has been no further direct contact with UN mediator Staffan de Mistura, who is still trying to get agreement on how the talks should be arranged.
With tensions palpable among participants, the United Nations is treading carefully in its efforts to revive negotiations after a 10-month hiatus.
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“Every time we have talks, or negotiations, there is always someone who tries to spoil,” de Mistura told reporters before meeting the government delegation. “I am expecting (it),” he said.
A ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey with Iran’s support is increasingly violated with groups opposed to the truce and the Geneva process also attempting to force their collapse.
Suicide bombers stormed two Syrian security offices in Homs on Saturday, killing dozens with gunfire and explosions including the head of military security, prompting airstrikes against the last rebel-held enclave in the western city.
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