Sides in Syrian Dispute Taking Baby Steps
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creisinger/Thinkstock(GENEVA) — Members of the Syrian government and the leaders of opposition forces met over the weekend in Geneva to lay the groundwork for future discussions that might help end the civil war that has been ongoing since March 2011.
Although expectations are low for any quick resolution to the conflict that has claimed well over 100,000 lives, the two sides are at least making efforts to find some common ground about humanitarian issues, particularly in the hard-hit city of Homs.
By the end of the day Sunday, there was an agreement to allow women and children to leave Homs starting Monday while armed groups have also pledged not to fire on convoys bringing relief to those stranded in the city. Meanwhile, discussions about freeing thousands of detainees held by both sides are in the preliminary stages.
Talks about substantial political issues are expected to begin Monday.
United Nations and Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, who is mediating the negotiations, said the initial discussions are intended as confidence building measures.
Meanwhile, Damascus officials and opposition forces are essentially speaking through Brahimi, not directly to each other.
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