US, Russia pledge to unblock Syria talks
Updated: 2014-02-14 09:31
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
GENEVA - The United States and Russia have pledged to help unblock stalled
Brahimi held a two-hour meeting with US Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov to try to salvage faltering peace talks between the opposition and Syrian government.
"They have kindly reaffirmed their support for what we are trying to do and promised that they will help both here and in their capitals and elsewhere to unblock the situation for us because until now we are not making much progress in this process," Brahimi told a news conference in Geneva.
Brahimi said that no new confidence-building measures - such as prisoner releases or agreement on access to besieged areas - had been discussed during the round that began between the opposition and Syrian government on Monday.
Asked whether positions had narrowed, he said: "I think they are a little bit more familiar with the presence of the other side. I don't think any friendships have developed yet."
"Failure is always staring at us in the face. As far as the United Nations is concerned we will certainly not leave one stone unturned if there is a possibility to move forward. If there isn't, we will say so," he said.
A US official in Geneva said that the meeting with Brahimi and Gatilov had focused on "several tough issues", adding: "The hard work of this diplomacy continues, and the United States will continue to support this work going forward."
Related readings:
Related Stories
Russia, US disagree plan for Syria talks 2013-06-26 06:17
Russia, US agree to push for Syria talks 2013-06-18 10:47
Brahimi says no breakthrough in Syria talks 2014-01-28 09:28
Today's Top News
4 die in Austrian train-car crash
China spends billions on rural education
Plan drafted for $36b undersea tunnel
Rural reform needs science input
Service gives hope to bereaved parents
China's IPOs raise nearly $5 billion
Policy may alter migration route
US envoy meets India's Modi
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Life after glory of victory |
Games bid to boost winter sports |
Sochi Olympics |
Bittersweet Spring Festival |
Find provides grave paws for thought |
Smog descends on the 'two sessions' agendas |