Syrian opposition group joins Geneva 'political process'

Syria's largest mainstream opposition group on Friday said it would take part in the Geneva "political process", after four days of suspense over whether it would join UN-lead peace talks.

The negotiations began in Geneva at about the same time the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee made its decision.

"We have decided to take part in the political process to test the seriousness of the other side through discussions with the UN team to implement international obligations and humanitarian demands," the HNC said in a statement, which came after Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir met with the Committee on Friday evening at a Riyadh hotel.

Despite Western pressures for it to attend, the HNC had said it would not take part in the Geneva process without an agreement on relief reaching hundreds of thousands of people stuck in besieged towns.

It also wanted assurances the international community will move to end regime attacks on civilians, in accordance with a United Nations Security Council resolution backing a political transition to end Syria's nearly five-year-old conflict.

The HNC statement said it has received support "especially... related to the humanitarian situation" from United States Secretary of State John Kerry, foreign ministers of "sisterly countries," as well as from the UN's Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura.

A senior HNC delegate earlier confirmed to AFP that the Committee will send "about 30, 35 people" to Geneva.

Asaad al-Zoabi, head of the HNC delegation, told Sky News Arabia that the opposition had received the guarantees it sought for an end to bombardment of civilians, and aid access to besieged areas.

- Saudi welcomes decision -

He said the delegation would arrive Saturday evening or Sunday morning in Switzerland.

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.

The Saudi foreign ministry issued a statement saying it welcomed the Committee's decision "to take part in the Geneva negotiations to implement UN Security Council resolution 2254".

Earlier Friday before confirmation of the HNC involvement, Fuad Aliko, who is to represent the HNC in any formal talks, said only a small delegation would travel to the Swiss city.

"A media delegation from the HNC has decided to go to Geneva," Aliko said, adding that it would be made up of three HNC members who also serve as the group's spokesmen.

The HNC had also asked for "clarifications" after the UN issued invitations to other opposition figures.

The Committee insists that it is the sole permitted representative of Syria's opposition, despite objections from others.

The HNC was formed in December when the main Syrian political opposition and armed factions came together in Riyadh for an unprecedented bid at unity, after months of Saudi efforts.

De Mistura on Friday met representatives of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Geneva at the start of a scheduled six months of peace talks, an AFP reporter said.

Opposition figures not part of the HNC said they would also be present in the Swiss city.
Source: AFP