Brussels, 23/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 22 January, the Geneva II peace conference began in an atmosphere of tension although, according to a United Nations spokesperson, the serious things will start on 24 January. In a speech that was over 30 minutes long, despite the time allotted being 7 minutes, Syria's Minister for Foreign Affairs Walid Muallem described the representatives of the Syrian opposition as “traitors to the Syrian people” and “paid agents of the enemies” of Syria. In Muallem's view, “nobody except the Syrian people can decide who the president is”. The leader of the Syrian national coalition, Ahmad Jarba, called on the regime's delegation “to sign the Geneva I document immediately” - a document which provides for the total transfer of Assad's prerogatives to a transition government. Jarba said that the fact that “Assad remains in power in any form means that the Geneva II process is deviating from its course”.
In her speech, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton stated that “the situation is shockingly unique, and we know that it's in the interest of all Syrian people to save the country and the interest of all of us to help that be achieved. We must stop this conflict”. In Ashton's view, guarantees must be given for an agreement on a political transition, for an end to the violence, and for access to food, water, electricity and medical care. “We have to keep in mind that we are all accountable in this crucial engagement to try and ensure that we support the process that can bring this about”, she added. Ashton stated that there is a need to “see a clear will” to implement fully the Geneva I communiqué. “We think it is really important for all parties to start working to promote measures that can build confidence”, she continued. “Enough is enough. The time has come to negotiate”, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told media.
According to a UN spokesperson, “the really difficult work will begin on Friday” 24 January. After separate meetings with UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi on 23 January, it is possible that the two delegations might sit at the same table as of 24 January. Direct discussions should take place over about a week, followed by a break and then a second round of talks, said Russia's Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov. (CG/transl.fl)