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Conflict in Syria

Kerry expects clarity on Syria peace talks within 24 to 48 hours

The talks were scheduled for January 25, however, UN spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said on Friday the consultations would be likely postponed "for practical reasons"

US Secretary of State John Kerry AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool

US Secretary of State John Kerry

© AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool

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Lavrov, Kerry are for involvement in Syrian political process

HANOI, January 25. /TASS/. The date of holding Syrian peace talks in Switzerland’s Geneva will be known within 24 to 48 hours, US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters in Laos on Monday during his official visit.

The talks were scheduled for January 25 in line with the UN Security Council’s resolution on Syrian settlement adopted on December 18. However, UN spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said on Friday the consultations would be likely postponed "for practical reasons."

Kerry said he agreed with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura that invitations for negotiations could be discussed when "all pieces are lined up." Two independent delegations from the opposition could be invited by de Mistura for the talks, some reports said.

Under the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2254, within six months after the Syrian discussions are launched, a transitional government should be set up and the work needs to begin on the new constitution envisaging holding elections in the next 18 months.

The ceasefire should enter into force immediately after the Syrian government and the opposition launch political reforms. The document does not mention Syrian President Bashar Assad whose future remains the main stumbling block. The resolution states that the Syrian people should decide the future of the country.

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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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