UN urges guarantor states to uphold Syria ceasefire

United Nations envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura has sent a letter to the three guarantor states of the Syria cease-fire - Russia, Turkey and Iran - urging them to undertake urgent efforts to uphold the cease-fire regime during the ongoing peace talks in Geneva.

"The Special Envoy recalls that the joint efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey to guarantee the cease-fire are indispensable for improving the conditions on the ground and contributing to an environment conducive for a productive political progress," Anadolu news agency quoted a UN statement as saying.

"De Mistura, is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of fighting in Damascus, Hama and elsewhere in Syria. He notes that the growing violations in recent days are undermining the cease-fire regime addressed through the Astana meetings, with significant negative consequences for the safety of Syrian civilians, humanitarian access and the momentum of the political process," the UN said.

The delegation of Syrian regime is headed by Bashar al-Ja'aafari, while the main opposition is led by Nasr Hariri from the High Negotiations Committee.

Since civil war in Syria erupted in March 2011, more than 250,000 people have been killed, according to the UN.