UN approves peace process for Syria, makes no mention of AssadDecember 19, 2015 - 12:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN Security Council's unanimous support of a peace process for Syria that is set to begin next month with government-opposition talks and a cease-fire represents its strongest gesture yet in support of a solution to the civil war, the Associated Press reports. The council's adoption of a resolution Friday, December 18 backing the plan comes amid world powers' growing sense that the top priority in Syria should be the defeat of the Islamic State group, which has exploited the country's years of chaos and created a base from which it promotes deadly attacks abroad. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters that the world is going to see in the next few months whether the peace process actually takes hold. He urged key powers, including top Syria allies Russia and Iran, to match their words with actions. "Within a month or so, two months, decisions are going to have to start to be made about the devolution of some power" and the creation of a transitional body agreed to by Syria's government and opposition with full executive power, Kerry said. But the resolution makes no mention of the most contentious issue, the future role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Kerry rejected the idea that Friday's vote and discussions put off tough decisions on that issue. The United States, its European allies, Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations have insisted that Assad must go, though Kerry said "everyone" has by now realized that demanding Assad's departure up front in the process was "in fact, prolonging the war." Kerry said "sharp differences" remain on Assad and stressed that "Assad has lost the ability ... to unite the country." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |