Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Syrian Settlement Alexander Lavrentiev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin held consultations with the French delegation led by Presidential Special Envoy for Syria Francois Senemo and discussed the situation in the SAR, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
“A detailed discussion of the situation “on the ground” in Syria, primarily in the north-east of the country, as well as an exchange of views on the prospects for a political settlement of the Syrian crisis was held”, – the Russian ministry said.
The parties noted the importance of convening a constitutional committee of Syria, and also discussed issues of facilitating the voluntary and safe return of Syrians to places of permanent residence and the provision of humanitarian assistance to SAR, the Foreign Ministry said.
The grand opening of the committee under the auspices of the UN took place in Geneva on October 30, its first meeting was held on November 4. The Committee consists of three equal parts – 50 representatives from the opposition, government and civil society. The expanded composition of the committee includes 150 people, 50 from each group. By a majority of votes, it will adopt constitutional drafts, which will be prepared by a small committee of 45 people. The main goal of the committee is to prepare constitutional reform in Syria in order to conduct elections in the country on its basis, initiating the process of political settlement in the Arab Republic.