UN pessimistic as Syria peace talks resume in Geneva

The UN special envoy on Syria says he doesn’t expect any breakthrough ahead of a new round of talks between the Syrian government and the foreign-backed opposition groups in Geneva.
De Mistura said it’s hard to say the time is ripe for a real political agreement but the sides have to take advantage of the current ceasefire. The new rounds of talks come barely 10 months after the previous negotiations ended with no tangible results. The talks are also held at a time when the armed opposition groups are weaker than ever particularly after the fall of Aleppo to the Syrian army and its allies. The armed opposition groups have expressed willingness to hold direct talks with the Syrian government’s representatives.