EU official optimistic about Syria's political process

The European Union’s foreign policy chief expresses optimism about Syria’s peace process, urging international and regional actors to build on current, favorable conditions.

Federica Mogherini says the recent developments have shown “positive” steps unseen in the previous five years of conflict in Syria. She was speaking about a truce that has been relatively holding across Syria since February 27 and the flow of hundreds of trucks carrying aid to besieged areas.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini speaks to journalists at the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, July 20, 2015. (AFP/John Thys)

Mogherini spoke during a visit to Lebanon, where she met with Lebanese Foreign Minister Gibran Bassil. She says they also spoke about Syrian refugees and attacks that have hit Lebanon and Europe.

Syria’s second round of UN-sponsored talks between the government and opposition, which resumed in Geneva last week, are to continue on Monday.

— AP