Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, met this morning in Brussels with the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, following his latest report to the UN Security Council earlier this week.

The High Representative and the Special Envoy discussed the latest developments in the Syria crisis, particularly the situation in Idlib, highlighting the need for a full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding that was reached by the Presidents of Russia and of Turkey. 

Furthermore, they stressed the importance of the establishment of the constitutional committee in order to restart the process for a credible, political transition in Syria. In particular, the High Representative and the Special Envoy discussed ways in which the European Union can support this process, including in the run up to the Brussels III Conference next spring. 

The High Representative expressed full support of the European Union for the work of Staffan de Mistura ahead of his visit to Damascus next week intended to advance preparations for convening the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee in November.

In view of de Mistura’s intention of stepping down from his role at the end of November, Federica Mogherini also expressed deep appreciation, personally as well as on behalf of the EU, for the tireless work of the Special Envoy during the last almost four years and a half, for his leadership, dedication and determination to find a solution to the Syria crisis and the efforts to de-escalate the situation, save lives and alleviate the suffering of the people. 

Read more

Press release