The international community has welcomed Iran’s decision to join talks on Syria in Vienna. Russia, the US and Europe will be at Friday’s meeting
ADVERTISEMENTThe international community has welcomed Iran’s decision to join talks on Syria in Vienna.
Russia, the US and Europe will be at Friday’s meeting.
#Iran's
JZarif</a> to join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash">#Syria</a> talks in Vienna <a href="https://t.co/COlNrqUNAj">https://t.co/COlNrqUNAj</a> <a href="https://t.co/gKsFzGTqjN">pic.twitter.com/gKsFzGTqjN</a></p>— dwnews (dwnews) October 28, 2015
They will be joined for the first time by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
“The first step” – Germany
FM #Steinmeier hopes that all relevant partners incl #Iran will come together for #Syria talks for 1st time. #Viennahttps://t.co/D5CzV17jDz
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) October 28, 2015
Germany’s foreign minister says it is not a breakthrough nor a political solution, but is definitely the first step:
“This might not seem like much, but in the light of the problems we have had in recent weeks and months, getting the most important participants around one table means a lot. The fate of Assad will not be decided in Vienna.”
The future of Bashar al-Assad
The future of President Bashar al-Assad is key.
“The aim of the US is to get rid of Assad, our aim is to defeat terrorism” – Putin https://t.co/Bl0DoFTCR4pic.twitter.com/o92MmKx1aS
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 24, 2015
Russia and Iran say he must play a part in any political transition.
But others, notably the US, say Assad has no role in Syria’s future.
No decision on this is expected from the current talks.