WEB DESK

Peace talks have begun in Geneva to end the civil war in Syria, but there has been no breakthrough in the standoff between government and rebel forces. UN Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura met on Tuesday with delegates from the Syrian opposition. He also met delegates from the government of President Bashar al-Assad yesterday.

In a statement UN Special Envoy said the atmosphere in the meeting with the government was constructive and professional. Mistura said the talks may stretch into next week. He also said the time has come to focus on achieving real progress on the political process, in the interest of the Syrian people.
The six-year war has claimed more than 340,000 lives, forced millions to flee their homes and left Syria in ruins.