 Syrian Government, Opposition Exchange AccusationsFirst day of peace talks between the Syrian government and the opposition characterized by bitter accusations. Shameless: Iran Calls for End to 'Terror' in SyriaIran calls for diplomatic end to 'terror' in Syria - despite having armed one side of that war since the conflict began in 2011. Syria's FM: Assad's Future a 'Red Line'"Nobody can touch the presidency," declares Syrian Foreign Minister as he arrives for "Geneva II" talks. Syrian Opposition Group Rejects Talks, Quits BlocSyrian National Council quits the Syrian National Coalition in protest over its attendance at the Geneva II talks. UN Cancels Iran's Invite to Syria Peace TalksUN head withdraws offer for Iran to attend Geneva 2 after Tehran refuses to support a June 2012 political transition deal. Iran Invited to Geneva, Syrian Opposition FumesSyria's opposition threatens to withdraw from planned peace talks in Geneva after UN's Ban invites Iran. Kerry Urges Syrian Opposition to Attend Geneva 2"Syria has become the magnet for jihadists," warns Kerry as Syrian opposition prepares to vote on attending peace talks. Syria: West Reaches Out to Assad Over JihadistsSyrian official: growing concern over rebel forces, including foreign jihadis, has caused the West to reach out to Assad. Friends of Syria Urge Opposition to Attend GenevaThe "Friends of Syria" alliance says opposition groups should attend peace talks in Geneva. Rouhani: Syria Talks will Fail Without IranRouhani tells Putin that "Geneva 2" conference will fail if Tehran does not participate. U.S.: Iran Helping Assad 'Brutalize' His PeopleUnited States accuses Iran of helping "brutalize" Syria, says it should take "steps" to participate in Geneva peace conference. Iran Not Invited to Syria Peace TalksUnited Nations chief sends out invitations to the planned Geneva II peace conference, Iran not on the first list. Syrian National Council Rejects Geneva II TalksKey group within Syria’s mainstream opposition reaffirms it will not attend the planned Geneva II peace talks. Syria: We Want Iran in Geneva 2 TalksSyria’s Foreign Minister clarifies that his country is committed to having its key regional ally Iran attend next month's peace conference. France Pessimistic About Syria Peace TalksFrench FM says the moderate Syrian opposition is in "serious difficulty", putting peace talks aimed at ending the crisis in trouble. Ban Ki-Moon: Iran to Participate in Geneva 2 TalksUN Secretary General announces intentions to have Iran participate in Geneva 2, despite allegations that Tehran is involved in conflict. Assad's Government Agrees to Attend Geneva TalksSyrian government will participate in Geneva peace talks but declares that Assad will not “hand over power.” Syrian Rebels Reject Ceasefire, TalksFree Syrian Army head rejects participation in 'Geneva 2' conference; French FM says Assad, jihadis not invited. Geneva II Syria Talks Announced for JanuaryUN announces Assad's regime and opposition forces will hold peace talks in January as fighting rages on. |
