LONDON
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague says that the expectations for the latest Geneva II conference are 'quite low'.
“Everybody knows it will be a difficult process and the opposition and regime will come with very, very difficult viewpoints,” he said.
Hague also commented on Iran's planned attendence at the conference, on the invitation of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, saying that his understanding was that Iran agreed to the full implementation of the Geneva I communiqué that calls for a transitional governing body.
“It would be very helpful to hear that publicly from Iran and for everybody to see their commitment and their understanding of that,” he said.
Hague said that Geneva II would not be a conference at which everybody agrees but said “it is important that it starts”.
“It is important that the spotlight is put on the regime” he added.
Hague posed the question: “What is the Assad regime prepared to do to bring about a transitional body drawn from regime and the opposition?”
The Syrian National Coalition has threatened not to attend if Iran is present, but it is uncertain whether this threat will materialize.
World powers are meeting for the Geneva II conference to try to achieve a deal that could facilitate peace.
The Syrian uprising started in March 2011.
The death toll reached over 100,000 in July 2013, according to the UN, who are no longer able to verify figures.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
