(VOVworld) – The United Nations will delay the next round of Syria peace talks by two days to March 9 to allow the cessation of hostilities in force since Saturday to take hold, UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said.

Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria speaks during a press conference about the beginning of a cessation of hostilities in Syria (Photo: AP)

This is the second time the peace talks have been delayed. Mistura said the talks were delayed for logistical and technical reasons and to allow the ceasefire to work. The UN expressed its hope that Syria’s political factions will take part in the talks in a serious and constructive manner. The previous negotiation in early February saw no progress in resolving the many differences between the parties. The UN said it hopes the cessation of hostilities in Syria brokered by Russia and the US, which took effect on February 27, would be a premise for peace talks that succeed where previous efforts have failed.