Show respect, avoid insults - U.N. envoy gets strict at Syria talks

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura (L) arrives for a meeting during Syria peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, February 27, 2017. REUTERS/ Fabrice Coffrini/Pool

GENEVA (Reuters) - Like a headmaster addressing rowdy pupils, the United Nations envoy for Syria began peace talks in Geneva last week by telling the warring parties to behave and show respect.

But five days into the latest attempt to end the Syrian conflict, there are scant signs that Staffan de Mistura's strictures are making much difference.