Syria Indirect Peace Talks Delayed

GENEVA (AP) -- A spokeswoman for U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura says indirect talks between the Syrian government and the opposition are likely to be delayed.

Khawla Mattar did not elaborate, saying only that the U.N.-sponsored talks are unlikely to begin Monday.

The talks got off to a rocky start Friday when de Mistura met only with the government delegation.

Earlier in the day, de Mistura's office said his meeting with the government delegation planned for Monday morning has been rescheduled.

Mattar says the meeting is being rescheduled because the envoy wants to first meet with the Syrian opposition since he already met the government team. De Mistura paid a courtesy visit to the opposition on Sunday.

The talks aim to end Syria's five-year conflict, which has killed more than 250,000.

(KA)