Diplomatic efforts speed up ahead of Geneva II talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had a phone conversation with his counterpart U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss latest developments on Saturday. Davutoglu said that human crisis in Syria is getting worse, the barrel bombardment of regime against civilians in Aleppo is unacceptable and there is an ongoing tragedy in Yarmouk and Muaddamiye, according to diplomatic sources. Davutoglu stated that it would be useful for Friends of Syria Core Group member states to convene immediately ahead of Geneva II talks. On the other hand, Kerry said he is totally agreeing with him and all efforts are needed to make sure that Geneva II talks will take place in most suitable conditions. Moreover, foreign ministers of Friends of Syria Core Group member states talked via teleconference with the initiative of Turkey last night. All the countries which participated in teleconference stated that barrel bombardments of Syrian regime and the human crisis in the country is unacceptable and hunger, harsh weather conditions and crimes that have characteristics of the ones committed against humanity affect the solution perspective negatively. Davutoglu informed the participants about the meeting that he had with Syrian National Coalition committee on January 2 and stated that committee members hesitate whether there would be fruitful results in the talks as regime forces still attack on civilians relentlessly. Core Group member states confirmed that they still stick to principles and goals about the Geneva II talks that were discussed in a meeting in November in London and announced with a proclamation. They stated their support for coalition as country’s sole representative once more.

Furthermore, Core Group members agreed that all efforts are needed to end attacks on civilians immediately and humanitarian aid should be sent to the needy regions as soon as possible. It was also agreed that foreign ministers of Core Group members convene on Jan.12 in Paris and Syrian crisis with all its dimensions are assessed ahead of Geneva II talks.