Little optimism as new round of Syria peace talks set to open
It doesn't usually bode well for peace talks when the attendance of one of the principals is still up in the air on the eve of the gathering.
An eighth round of United Nations-backed talks aimed at finding a political solution to Syria's grinding civil war was to convene Tuesday in Geneva, but by late Monday, the world body was still expressing hopes that the Syrian government would send representatives, while acknowledging it had not obtained a commitment from Damascus to take part.
"This is a moment of truth for the Syria talks," said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "We obviously think the participation of the Syrian government is important."
The nearly 7-year-old war, which has left hundreds of thousands dead and seen millions driven from their homes, is at an impasse: Syrian rebel groups have been unable to dislodge President Bashar Assad, and even their international allies are acknowledging there is no prospect of an opposition military victory.
Despite having little leverage, negotiators from the rebel factions are demanding that Assad step down. A Syrian newspaper has suggested that the government delegation would not come to Geneva until that demand is dropped.
_ Tribune Washington Bureau
