UN invites warring Syrian sides to talks

GENEVA, Feb 13 (Reuters) - The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, sent invitations for Geneva peace talks beginning on February 23, after initial prior consultations beginning on or about February 20, his spokeswoman Yara Sharif said.

"We can confirm that letters have been sent today, and also that consultations are continuing," she said.

The talks were already delayed from February 8.

Syria's main opposition body, the High Negotiation Committee (HNC), on Sunday approved a new delegation to take part in Geneva peace talks, which include Russian-backed blocs that have been critical of the armed insurgency against President Bashar al-Assad.