MESOP SYRIA UPDATE TODAY : Political Talks Resume in Geneva

the next round of indirect talks between the Assad regime and Syria’s opposition-rebel bloc opens on Thursday in Geneva, with low expectations of a breakthrough towards resolution of the six-year conflict.

Despite a proclamation of a ceasefire by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, pro-Assad forces have continued attacks and bombing, and rebels launched an assault inside Daraa city in southern Syria. The regime has continued to block aid to besieged areas, including this week’s attack upon and looting of a convoy trying to reach al-Wa’er, the last opposition district in Homs city.

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Wednesday that he did not expect immediate progress. He said that Russia was expected to “silence their own skies in the areas touched by the ceasefire” and that countries close to the opposition were asked to urge them to lessen provocations.

“Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I’m not expecting a breakthrough,” de Mistura told a news conference. “But I am expecting and determined for keeping a very pro-active momentum.”

The opposition-rebel delegation, again hoping to expose the regime’s lack of will for any resolution, called for face-to-face negotiations. Spokesman Salem al-Muslet said the group did not want another fruitless round of discussions:

We have experience with this regime. They’re not here to negotiate about a political transition, but they’re here to buy time and commit more crimes in Syria. There’s no trust in this regime.