UN Envoy Sets January 25 as Target Date for Beginning Peace Talks in Syria

In this Feb. 11, 2015 file photo, U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura speaks with reporters in Damascus. (AP Photo, File)

The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Syria has set January 25 as the target date to begin talks between the parties on ending the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The announcement of the target date comes just over a week after the Security Council adopted unanimously resolution 2254.

The resolution provides the UN with an enhanced role in guiding the process of political transition, outlining a timetable for a ceasefire, drafting a new constitution and holding of free and fair elections within 18 months.

The document also identified the close linkage between a ceasefire and a parallel political process, with the former to come into effect as soon as the sides have begun initial steps towards a political transition.

The intention of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura is to complete his consultations in early January and counts on full cooperation from all the relevant parties to the conflict.

He was firm that continuing developments on the ground should not be allowed to derail the process of political transition.

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