Syrian Delegation Travels from Beirut to Geneva for Peace Talks
The Syrian delegation traveled on Sunday from Beirut to Geneva where it is set to participate in the second round of the upcoming peace negotiations with the opposition under UN auspices, the state-run National News Agency reported.
“The Syrian delegation headed by Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations, Bashar Jaafari, traveled from Beirut to Geneva to participate in the meetings, which will start Monday,” NNA added.
Syria's warring sides prepared Sunday for fresh peace talks after locking horns over the fate of President Bashar Assad, with the regime insisting his ouster was a "red line" while the opposition vowed to see him go -- dead or alive.
The UN-brokered indirect negotiations are the latest international push to try to end Syria's five-year conflict, which has killed more than 270,000 people and forced millions from their homes.
Government negotiator Bashar Jaafari arrived in Geneva, where delegates from the main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) are already preparing.
Analysts say much has changed since the last round collapsed in February as fighting raged, but that the huge regime-opposition divide will complicate a settlement.
A fragile February 27 truce brokered by the United States and Russia has largely held despite each side accusing the other of violations, a development U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said was "very significant".
But key obstacles remain, including the fate of Assad, the holding of elections within 18 months and the shape of any new government.
The HNC has repeatedly called for Assad's departure as a prerequisite for any deal.
UN peace envoy Staffan de Mistura has said the Geneva meetings, opening on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the start of the conflict in March 2011, would not last more than 10 days.
9 years
Almost forgot, source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_occupation_of_Lebanon
9 years
My post was meant to be humorous, but I'll indulge you my friend.
It doesn't matter which parties were for or against the occupation by Syria. The PEOPLE were against it, at least the patriotic ones. That is what matters. Thanks
9 years
How do you know that a majority of the people supported those leaders? It was war time, there were no elections. Most people wanted peace, and all foreign powers (including Syria) out.
And I'll go one step further with you: even if most Lebanese did support the Syrian occupation, that doesn't make it right or justified.
Sure thing buddy, I'll take Logic 101, if you'll take Patriotism 101. Thanks ;)
9 years
The Genevans were later on liberated. They said they were forced to acclaim the Butcher as being their defender against terrorism. One of them (probably of Lebanese origin) refused and was tortured publicly to serve as a lesson for the rest of the population.
Journalists from "La Tribune" and "Le Journal de Genève" witnessed the story and wrote that the Genevans would refuse to receive the Butcher in exile.
The negociations are now undergoing to see if Siberia is a suitable place.
9 years
After negotiations with Russia regarding Siberia as a possible exile location failed, reporters managed to get a comment from Mr. Putin himself:
"Our glorious motherland has refused to receive Lebanon's garbage, what makes you think we'll accept Syria's?"
9 years
The israeli zionists infiltrated Hizbollah personnel according to the department of justice, when they wanted to....
Monday Geneva News: The city of Geneva witnessed a surprising phenomenon Monday, when several makeshift checkpoints were set up around the city, manned by what appeared to be Syrian nationals.
The Syrians demanded passers-by show them their identification papers, and many Genevans were detained and taken for questioning.
In seemingly unrelated news, the city witnessed a noticeable surge in "Kaak" vendors, peddling their exotic delights to any and all who were withing listening distance..