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EU to host conference on Syria in spring

Xinhua, January 17, 2017 Adjust font size:

The European Union(EU) will host a conference on Syria here in spring, the bloc's foreign policy chief told reporters on Monday after wrapping up this year's first Foreign Affairs Council.

"EU conference in spring could be moment to turn the page and start political transition, reconciliation and reconstruction," Federica Mogherini said at a press conference.

As a follow-up to the London conference held in February 2016, the Brussels conference is expected to focus on the political process towards a transition, according to the main results released by the council.

The conference will also underscore humanitarian work and support for resilience and stabilization, as well as possible support to post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation.

Foreign ministers of the 28-nation bloc gathered on Monday to discuss the developments in Syria, for the first time since a ceasefire was announced at the end of last year.

According to the main results of the council, EU foreign ministers in their discussion welcomed the agreement. The ministers also expressed the hope that it could be fully implemented by all the parties to the conflict.

The council also reiterated its support to the EU regional initiative on the future of Syria, which aims to find common ground on the post conflict arrangements for Syria as well as reconciliation and reconstruction " once a credible political transition is firmly underway," and in full coordination with UN.

As to the upcoming negotiations in Astana slated for Jan. 23, the ministers noted that if fully inclusive, it could contribute to a successful resumption of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva under UN auspices, foreseen on February 8. Endit