Geneva, July 23 (RHC)-- United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has said there was determination to find a proper date for the resumption of the peace talks on the conflict in Syria.

The UN special envoy further expressed optimism that the results of talks between the U.S. and Russia can be helpful in resolving the crisis in Syria.  Washington and Moscow have agreed to take some "concrete steps" to restore peace to Syria, the UN envoy said, adding, however, that the two countries were still divided over the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Washington insists that Assad must step down before any peace process can yield results, but Russia opposes the idea, arguing that the Syrian president is defending his country against terrorists.

The German foreign minister also urged the warring parties in Syria to return to the negotiating table.