Key players in the diplomatic push to end the Syrian war were to meet Thursday seeking common ground over a politicaltransition, ahead of Iran's first-time appearance at international talks on the conflict, AFP reports.
Top diplomats from Russia, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Turkey will hold the second round of talks on Syria in less than a week, ahead of the larger meeting of regional players, including Iran, on Friday. Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will join representatives from Britain, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon and the European Union as the international community seeks to end more than four years of bloodshed.
It will be the first time all the major players in the conflict are in the same room, though there has been no mention of either the Syrian government or the opposition attending.