Syrian peace talks at Geneva enter second day

Feb 2,  6:09 PM Talks in Geneva aimed at finding a solution to the conflict in Syria are entering a second official day. Yesterday, UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura held his first formal meeting with the main opposition umbrella group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC). The Syrian government team is expected at the UN headquarters in Geneva, this evening and the opposition later tonight. According to the BBC, the fact that both sides are participating is being seen as positive, but the opposition is waiting for a sign that the government will respond to its calls for humanitarian measures. HNC representatives said they received very positive messages from Mr de Mistura, but that they were waiting for the outcome of his discussions with government officials today before deciding whether to formally join the peace process. The HNC has demanded an end to sieges and air strikes on rebel-held areas, as well the release of prisoners, before starting negotiations in earnest. More than 250,000 people have died in almost five years of war in Syria. Eleven million others have fled their homes as forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and those opposed to his rule battle each other, as well as jihadist militants from so-called Islamic State (IS).