Riyadh welcomes Syrian opposition's decision to go to Geneva

UNSC in Dec sought immediate access for humanitarian aid and an end to attacks on civilians in Syria

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry on Friday welcomed a decision by the Riyadh-based Syrian opposition to send a delegation to UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva.

"The kingdom welcomes the decision taken by the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian revolutionary and opposition forces in Riyadh to take part in the Geneva negotiations to implement UN Security Council resolution 2254," the ministry said in a statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

The resolution, adopted in December, endorses a roadmap for Syria, with two articles calling for immediate access for humanitarian aid and an end to attacks on civilians.



On Friday one of the Committee members, Salem al-Meslet, had said the HNC was waiting for an answer from UN chief Ban Ki-moon on the application of the resolution before agreeing to attend talks.

As the talks got underway Friday in Geneva, a senior HNC delegate told AFP the Committee, which was formed last year to unite Syria's fractious political and armed opposition, would attend.

The delegate said the Saudi-backed HNC will send "about 30, 35 people" in all to the Swiss city.



In a tweet, however, the HNC said it would not be taking part in actual peace negotiations.

"HNC confirms it is coming to #Genevaiii to participate in discussions with the @UN, not for negotiations," the tweet said.