Brasilia – The Geneva 2 Syrian Peace Conference is a “very modest start, but it’s a start,” to the end of the conflicts in the country, stated this Friday (31) the United Nations (UN) and Arab League mediator, Lakhdar Brahimi, after the first round of negotiations between the Bashar Al Assad regime and the opposition.
“I believe there are some elements that may signify a start, a beginning on which we may construct,” said Lakhdar Brahimi, noting that he observed some points of convergence between the two parts. The mediator insisted on the fact that the two rival sides sit at the same table for the first time in almost three years of civil war.
The UN mediator indicated that the second round of negotiations between the Syrian authorities and opposition are expected to start on February 10. “I suggested we retake [negotiations] based on an agreed agenda, for a new meeting on February 10. The regime delegation said they must consult Damascus,” said Brahimi.
The Syrian opposition spokesperson at the peace conference, Louai Safi, evaluated that the Syrian regime was “forced to negotiate” with the opposition. “Today, the regime is forced to negotiate with a delegation that represents the expectations of the Syrian people,” he said.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 1,870 people have died in the country since the beginning of the peace negotiations at the Geneva 2 conference, between January 22 and this morning. The Syrian conflict death toll has surpassed 130,000 people since March 2011, according to the United Nations and other organizations.
*Translated by Silvia Lindsey
