Syria rebels 'agree' to peace talks - but on their terms
- 10 years ago
A day after Syria’s Western-backed opposition agreed to join peace talks, rebels on the ground reportedly say they, too, are ready to attend.
But the politicians and the rebels have set conditions for taking part.
One key demand before going to a proposed peace conference in Geneva is a firm assurance over the departure of Bashar al-Assad.
Syria’s president, however, has given no sign that he is ready to step down.
The US and the opposition’s other Western backers hope any talks will produce an interim administration as a way out of the civil war.
But after months of gains on the battlefield, Assad’s government has repeatedly said it won’t show up simply to surrender power.
With fighting still raging, the opposition has also demanded the freeing of prisoners and the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid can reach civilians trapped by two and a half years of conflict.
But the politicians and the rebels have set conditions for taking part.
One key demand before going to a proposed peace conference in Geneva is a firm assurance over the departure of Bashar al-Assad.
Syria’s president, however, has given no sign that he is ready to step down.
The US and the opposition’s other Western backers hope any talks will produce an interim administration as a way out of the civil war.
But after months of gains on the battlefield, Assad’s government has repeatedly said it won’t show up simply to surrender power.
With fighting still raging, the opposition has also demanded the freeing of prisoners and the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid can reach civilians trapped by two and a half years of conflict.