Rice, de Mistura discuss efforts to resolve conflict in Syria

WASHINGTON, Nov 6 (KUNA) -- U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice has held talks with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura related to a prospected settlement to the Syrian question, the White House announced.
De Mistura, during the meeting held late on Wednesday, updated Rice on his recent regional consultations related to seeking a resolution to the Syria conflict and expanded on his October 30 briefing to the UN Security Council, said the announcement from National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan.
Rice "emphasized the United States' support for a political solution to Syria's civil war," Meehan said in a statement issued by the White House.
Rice underscored the U.S. commitment to increasing support for the moderate Syrian opposition, including through a train-and-equip program, Meehan said.
Rice thanked de Mistura "for the renewed energy he has brought to international efforts to bring an end to the war in Syria, and discussed measures that the United States and other partners could take to support his efforts," Meehan said.
Rice also stressed the continued U.S. commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, Meehan said. (end) rm.rk