Russia's withdrawal of forces from Syria provides important, positive steps towards success of intra-Syria peace talks

The Arab League Secretary-General has expressed his hope that Russia's withdrawal of forces from Syria will create the appropriate conditions for success of the UN sponsored negotiations which began today between the Syrian government and opposition.

''The timely announcement by President Vladimir Putin of the withdrawal of Russian military personnel constitutes an important, positive step towards enhancement of efforts being exerted the International Syria Support Group, ISSG, to render the ongoing Geneva talks a success and strengthen cessation of hostilities, sponsored by Washington and Moscow,'' said Dr. Nabil Al Araby as quoted by Middle East News Agency, MENA, today.

He reiterated the Arab League's support for efforts being made UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, to narrow the differences between the two sides based on the final communique of the Geneva 1 conference on Syria in 2012 and ISSG's statements.

The Arab League chief has also appealed to the negotiating parties to exercise wisdom and flexibility and put the higher interests of the Syrian people above any other considerations until they reach a final agreement on steps towards the transitional period that will realise aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom and change and safeguard unity, independence and territorial integrity of the country.
Source:WAM