UN envoy backs Syrian opposition's call for talks
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 17 February 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN envoy backs Syrian opposition's call for talks, 17 February 2013, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/51276eedc.html [accessed 24 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 17, 2013
UN-Arab League peace envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi
The joint UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, says he backs a Syrian opposition leader's call for dialogue to end the crisis.
Brahimi said in Cairo on February 17 that the proposal by Mouaz al-Khatib, the president of the opposition coalition, "has opened the door and challenges the Syrian government to fulfill its often-repeated assertion that it is ready for dialogue and a peaceful settlement."
Brahimi was speaking following talks with Arab league chief Nabil Elaraby.
In a statement on February 17, the opposition's main umbrella group, the Syrian National Coalition, said it would not allow President Bashar al-Assad or members of his security services to participate in any talks.
Damascus has ruled out opposition demands that Assad step down to end the crisis in Syria
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
