UN mediator Kofi Annan on June 30 warned that the conflict in Syria would enflame the Middle East and beyond unless world powers agreed on a peace plan but the United States said foreign ministers meeting in Geneva might fail in that task. International talks started with governments still in dispute over whether President Bashar Assad, reviled in the West for his assault on opponents but still supported by Russia, could have any role in a political transition. Annan, the former UN chief and the special international envoy on Syria, is hoping for consensus on a plan for a unity government that would exclude controversial figures from leadership – effectively meaning Assad would step down. “We are here to agree on guidelines and principles for a Syrian-led political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people,” he said in opening remarks.
Annan Urges World To Unite On Syria Peace Plan
UN mediator Kofi Annan on June 30 warned that the conflict in Syria would enflame the Middle East and beyond unless world powers agreed on a peace plan but the United States said foreign ministers meeting in Geneva might fail in that task.
