Roundup: Latest round of UN-brokered Syrian peace talks end with 12 points of commonalities

The latest round of intra-Syrian peace talks in Geneva 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 intra-Syrian talks have 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.

The sides have 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.

At the top of the 12-point list is the principle that to respect for the 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 endeavor, 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.

Other commonalities include that all refugees and internally displaced people wishing it shall be enabled to return safely to their homes, those arbitrarily detained shall be released and the fate of the disappeared, kidnapped or missing shall be resolved, and there shall be reparations, redress, care, and restitution of rights and property lost for those who have suffered loss or injury in consequence of the conflict.

According to an opposition source, the UN Special Envoy has invited each of the two negotiating parties to take away the paper to examine whether it accurately captures points of convergence if not consensus.

The source described the paper as "a useful guide" while the Syrian government delegation said that its stance towards the paper will be made clear in the next round of Syrian peace talks, which is scheduled to be started on April 9.

"It is not an agreed paper of the two negotiating parties. It does not constitute in any way a framework document or a negotiating text and shall not be put before the UN Security Council or the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG) unless specifically authorized by both sides," the Syrian opposition said in the statement. Endit