Geneva II conference is starting

A major conference aimed at finding a solution to the three-year conflict in Syria, which has left many thousands dead, is starting in Switzerland. BBC news writes about this. 

The Syrian government and the main opposition are attending the Geneva II summit along with international allies.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told delegates they faced a “formidable challenge”, but there was a chance to “make a new beginning”.

However, correspondents say no major breakthroughs are expected soon.

The summit is discussing the Geneva II document which lays out a political transition plan for Syria. But the key issue, on which neither side appears willing to budge, is the future of President Bashar al-Assad.

Direct talks begin in Geneva on Friday. This would be the first time the Syrian government and the opposition have met face to face since the start of the conflict which, in addition to the dead, has left millions of Syrians displaced.

Remind, that the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon invited Iran also to participate in the Geneva 2 peace conference, but then under the US pressure the invitation was taken back.