Annan seeks regional support ahead of UN briefing on Syria

11/07/12 06:03 CET

world news

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After discussing Syria with ministers in both Iran and Iraq, peace envoy Kofi Annan will brief the UN Security Council later today.

Annan is trying to salvage his plan to stop the 16-month conflict by shoring up support in the region. He wants both countries to be part of any solution is Syria.

“I have had the opportunity to discuss with the leaders concerned the need to do everything possible to stop the killing for the sake of the Syrian people and to ensure that the conflict in Syria does not spill over to its neighbours,” said Annan.

But the US remains opposed to Iranian involvement. During what is expected to be a tense diplomatic session, the UN must decide on what to do with its monitoring mission in Syria, whose mandate runs out on July 20.

Russia has already circulated a resolution proposal which would extend the mission but without any threat of pressure on the Syrian regime.

More about: Bashar al-Assad, Iran, Kofi Annan, Syria, Talks / negotiations

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