UN envoy to meet with Syrian foreign ministry following Vienna talks

Reuters reports that UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is meeting with the Syria foreign ministry in Damascus on Sunday. They will discuss the decisions made at the Vienna talks on Friday.

In Vienna, the EU, UN, and 17 countries gathered to discuss the ongoing Syrian crisis. Some countries held directly opposing stances, such as Iran, which supports President Bashar Assad, and Saudi Arabia, which supports the insurgents.

Participants reached a consensus to renew UN-facilitated talks between the government and opposition forces. They also recommended an immeadiate and total ceasefire.

Reuters also reports that the talks on Friday did not determine Assad’s level of involvement in ongoing and future political changes within Syria. Russia and Iran support Assad’s continued participation, whereas the US and allies call for Assad to step down.

The Syrian conflict has been ongoing for four years, but recent Russian airstrikes have escalated the violence. This has prompted the international community to actively move toward ending the conflict.