UN mediator proposes Syria working groups on issues in conflict

He said that the most polarizing element in the roadmap to peace adopted by key nations in Geneva in June 2012 is the formation of a transitional government with full executive powers.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said today that he was “profoundly disappointed” that Security Council resolutions had failed to bring an end to the violence or ease the suffering in Syria.

There is an “urgent need for the worldwide community to act now if we want to save and preserve what is left of Syria”, Ban said while describing the country as “the world’s largest humanitarian crisis”.

“The asking price of persevering with the friendly battle is actually too high”.

The UN chief urged the UNSC to endorse de Mistura’s recommendations and convince the Syrian parties to participate in the proposed talks. He also welcomed the UN’s acknowledgement of the negative influence of some countries that were supporting “so-called foreign terrorist fighters” in Syria.

Over the last two-and-a-half months de Mistura held talks with over 200 individuals – Syrians and non-Syrians – on finding a political solution.

A political solution, according to Mistura, was extremely essential given recent gains by the “Islamic State” (IS), the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and other parties which spoke of “fragmentation, radicalization and sectarianism”.

In a bid to overcome these divisions, the UN will form working groups around four themes: protection; political and constitutional issues; military and security; institutions, reconstruction and development.

The Italian diplomat said the working groups will begin the process “towards a Syrian owned framework document on the implementation of the Geneva Communique”, adding that the document is “still… internationally only recognized framework for a settlement, even if still ambiguous in some parts”.

Syrian warring sides first met in 2012 in the Swiss city Geneva for direct talks under the auspice of the global community.

After closed consultations, Ban said he was “encouraged by the many expressions of strong support” for de Misutra’s plan from council members.

Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari stressed Wednesday that the Syrian government supports all efforts leading to solve the crisis in Syria and considers fighting terrorism as a priority.