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2nd LD Writethru: Latest round of Syria peace talks ends with 12 points of commonalities

Xinhua, March 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

The latest round of Syrian peace talks here wrapped up on Thursday with a paper of 12 points of commonalities being delivered to both sides for further consideration by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura.

"During the course of talks, the special envoy noted that certain commonalities existed between the two sides in relation to their respective visions of what a future of Syrian state might look like. He instructed his staff to try to capture points of convergence in order to help him structure the next round of talks which shall also focus on political transition," the Syrian opposition delegation said in a statement.

According to the paper of commonalities, named "Essential Principles of Political Solution in Syria," both participants in the talks told the special envoy that the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, the ISSG statements and the Geneva Communique in its entirety are the basis for a political transition process and beyond that will end the crisis in Syria.

Both sides also reiterated that a political settlement is the only way to peace, and the above mentioned 12 "essential principles" are the foundation for a future Syrian state that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Top of the 12 points list is the principle to respect for sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and "no part of the national territory shall be ceded."

The second thing both the Syrian government and the opposition seem to share a common ground is that the principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention shall apply, and the Syrian people alone shall determine the future of their country by democratic means.

"Syria shall be a democratic, non-sectarian state based on citizenship and political pluralism," the paper of commonalities noted.

According to the paper, women shall enjoy equality of rights and representation in all institutions and decision-making structures at a level of at least 30 percent during the transition and thereafter.

The paper also said that Syria categorically rejects terrorism and strongly opposes terrorist organizations and individuals identified by the UN Security Council and will engage in a national endeavour, in international partnership, to defeat terrorism and to address the causes of terrorism.

"Syrians are committed to rebuilding a strong and unified national army, also through the disarmament and integration of members of armed groups supporting the transition and the new constitution," the paper said. Endit