Syria's main opposition umbrella group is meeting UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura in Geneva, after receiving assurances on humanitarian issues, the BBC reported on Monday.

The High Negotiations Committee (HNC) said de Mistura had responded positively to its demands for an end to sieges and the bombing of civilians.

Unless they are met, the HNC has insisted it will not take part in indirect peace talks in Switzerland.

However, de Mistura's office said his morning appointment with the government's delegation had been rescheduled because he first wanted to have an official meeting with the HNC delegation.

The envoy only paid an informal visit to the HNC negotiators' hotel on Sunday, when he was reported to have made a proposal based on their demands.

Source: MENA