During closed discussions with the 15-member council yesterday, de Mistura acknowledged that the "odds and conditions for launching a political transition are no better now than six months ago" and the Damascus regime and opposition forces aren't showing "much new willingness to negotiate" in the four-year war.
But "the UN remains convinced about the necessity to revive a political solution," he said, according to diplomats.
The mediator explained that he will hold separate consultations with the parties in May to probe the positions of the Syrian regime, the opposition and civil society groups, and see if they are ready for negotiations based on the Geneva statement.
A UN spokesman said earlier that the new round of meetings would begin May 4. These consultations will last four to six weeks, said spokesman Ahmad Fawzi.
Iran, which was excluded from two international conferences on the conflict, has been invited, Fawzi said.
The latest efforts from de Mistura come after a failed initiative to negotiate local truces in the field, starting in Aleppo.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app