BEIRUT — A long-planned Syrian peace conference will take place in January, the United Nations said on Monday, potentially bringing the government of President Bashar al-Assad and his opponents to the negotiating table for the first time since the bloody conflict began in 2011.
The United States, Russia and the United Nations have been attempting to organize the talks — now scheduled for Jan. 22 in Geneva — for months. However, the process was hampered by wrangling over sticking points, including whether Assad would have a role in a post-civil-war Syria.
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More than 100,000 people have been killed since the conflict began with a peaceful citizen revolt in March 2011. At least 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and elsewhere.
The war has increasingly polarized the Middle East, as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have provided support for the rebels, and Iran and the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah have sent their militants to fight for Assad.
“The conflict in Syria has raged for too long,” the U.N. said in a statement. “It would be unforgivable not to seize this opportunity to bring an end to the suffering and destruction it has caused.”
The goal of the conference is to implement the 2012 Geneva Communique, which called for the establishment of a transitional governing body in Syria. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expects that representatives to the conference will come “with a clear understanding that this is the objective,” the organization said in a statement.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition, an umbrella group of rebel factions, has agreed to attend the peace conference if its conditions are met — including a demand that Assad play no role in a transitional government.
However, the Syrian government, which has said it will attend the talks “in principle” has repeatedly reiterated that it will not go to Geneva with the intention of handing over power. In interviews, Assad has stated that it is up to the Syrian people to decide his fate, hinting that he will run for reelection in 2014. He has also said the government will not negotiate with terrorists, a term it uses to described many rebel and opposition groups.
The coalition also has demanded improvements to humanitarian access in Syria and the release of political prisoners ahead of talks.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the announcement of the talks puts the Syrian government “in the spotlight.”
“They need to take immediate steps to alleviate humanitarian suffering across the country, and stop their brutal tactics, which include besieging and attacking civilian areas,” Hague said in a statement.
The United States, Russia and the United Nations have been attempting to organize the talks — now scheduled for Jan. 22 in Geneva — for months. However, the process was hampered by wrangling over sticking points, including whether Assad would have a role in a post-civil-war Syria.
Jellyfish, Bangkok street rallies, Paris comics expo, comet ISON and more.
Latest stories from Foreign
William Booth and Scott Wilson
Israel and many U.S. lawmakers are worried that the interim deal with Iran does not dismantle nuclear program.
Tim Craig The United States wants Karzai to sign the troop agreement by the end of the year. So far, he refuses.
Nine bone fragments are displayed publicly for the first time. Pope Francis prays over them at Mass.Nick Miroff The nation appears headed for a presidential showdown.
Michael Birnbaum Moving the stockpile out of the country and destroying them is proving to be more difficult.
More than 100,000 people have been killed since the conflict began with a peaceful citizen revolt in March 2011. At least 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and elsewhere.
The war has increasingly polarized the Middle East, as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have provided support for the rebels, and Iran and the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah have sent their militants to fight for Assad.
“The conflict in Syria has raged for too long,” the U.N. said in a statement. “It would be unforgivable not to seize this opportunity to bring an end to the suffering and destruction it has caused.”
The goal of the conference is to implement the 2012 Geneva Communique, which called for the establishment of a transitional governing body in Syria. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expects that representatives to the conference will come “with a clear understanding that this is the objective,” the organization said in a statement.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition, an umbrella group of rebel factions, has agreed to attend the peace conference if its conditions are met — including a demand that Assad play no role in a transitional government.
However, the Syrian government, which has said it will attend the talks “in principle” has repeatedly reiterated that it will not go to Geneva with the intention of handing over power. In interviews, Assad has stated that it is up to the Syrian people to decide his fate, hinting that he will run for reelection in 2014. He has also said the government will not negotiate with terrorists, a term it uses to described many rebel and opposition groups.
The coalition also has demanded improvements to humanitarian access in Syria and the release of political prisoners ahead of talks.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the announcement of the talks puts the Syrian government “in the spotlight.”
“They need to take immediate steps to alleviate humanitarian suffering across the country, and stop their brutal tactics, which include besieging and attacking civilian areas,” Hague said in a statement.