All Syrian sides confirm will attend peace talks: UN

Syrian government and rebel delegations have confirmed their attendance at peace talks set to resume in Geneva this week, the United Nations said. "All invitees who had already attended the previous round of talks in February 2017 have confirmed their participation", UN spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci said. She said UN mediator Staffan de Mistura was currently visiting key powers shaping the conflictbefore returning to Geneva to lead the talks.

As de Mistura "completes these consultations, Deputy Special Envoy Ramzy (Ezzeldin Ramzy) will engage the parties bilaterally on March 23 in Geneva to prepare the round ahead," Vellucci said. The participation of all rebel groups could bolster the peace process, after some opposition camps refused to attend separate negotiations last week.