Muna Ali, Baladi News
The Syrian opposition participating in the negotiations of "Geneva 7", called on Sunday for applying the ceasefire that was declared in the southwestern part of Syria all over the country and expelling the Iranian militias that support Assad regime.
The opposition welcomed the agreement of the south rashly before it was tested to prove if it was actually in their favor, as the regime didn't wait more than one day after the agreement entered into force before breaching it with a massive attack on regions of al-Suwayd'a, Daraa, and the desert of Damascus countryside, then it seized control over regions that were previously controlled by the rebels.
The Syrian writer, Dr. Yasser al-Aity, believes that "the agreement of the south was concluded out of Astana and it's the announcement of death for Geneva and the political transition operation". He added that: "The opposition should utilize the agreement to strengthen its position and show its ability to organize life in the regions under its control within the national conditions such as refusing division.
De Mistura commented on the agreement saying that the "no escalation" agreements can facilitate the ongoing conflict in the country and be a step towards stability, but such agreements should be only a transitional stage in which division must be avoided.
The Syrian writer and researcher, Abdulrahman Matar, commented on the agreement of the south saying: "Followers of the Syrian affair assume that the agreement of the south will be as effective as that of Washington-Moscow-Jordan as the latter managed to impose its articles on all parties, but the truth is that when we talk about the agreement of the south, we can't neglect the important role of Israel and Jordan to minimize the tension and de-escalate the fighting in the region not for motives that are related to supporting the Syrian revolution and protecting civilians, but rather for maintain the mutual security of the two countries.
Mattar explains that the seventh round of Geneva negotiations is being held without any development in the attitude of the parties as they are again negotiating the four baskets suggested by De Mistura in the previous round which are: constitution, governance, elections, and combating terrorism.
Mattar believes that there is a determination by the Syrian regime to reject the principles of negotiation that may lead to serious discussions, especially with the confusion that Astana negotiations live, the failure of its latest round in particular, along with the inability to implement what was agreed by the sponsors whose disputes are worsening and negatively affect the Syrian situation and the Syrian refugees.
Mattar summarizes his vision for Geneva saying: "Moscow and Assad's regime will continue to talk without taking actions unless the US takes an active role in the negotiations as a main sponsor".