Syria peace talks open in Geneva amid uncertainties and divisions

Opposition divided on content and preparation of talks agenda. West and Damascus clash over future role of Assad. Moscow accuses the Turkey of "creeping" expansionism in Syria. Analysts say rather than peace talks it is a "forum" of the powers involved in the conflict.

Geneva (AsiaNews / Agencies) - This morning the first meeting began to prepare peace talks on Syria. The meetings are scheduled for March 14 to 24 in Geneva, Switzerland, under the auspices of the United Nations.

However, there are still divisions and rifts among the opposition groups, which have prevented the attainment of topics and the preparation of an agenda for the talks. Moreover, in the last hours a new front of conflict between the West and Damascus has opened, with European governments condemning the Syrian executive's attempt to put limits on the talks agenda.

Doubts and uncertainties persist about the possibility of transforming the current, and temporary "cease-fire" into a lasting peace. Adding fuel to the fire, Moscow claims there is evidence of the "presence" of Turkish armed forces in Syria confirming Ankara’s policy of "creeping" expansion.

The goal of the negotiations - which open on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the war, and are expected to last six months - is to stop a conflict that, since March 2011, has left over 270 thousand dead, 4.6 million refugees and millions of internally displaced persons, creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

The talks will focus on a timetable set in December by the United Nations Security Council, which provides for an immediate cease-fire, a transitional government in six months and the election within the next 18 months. The opposition insists on the current position, looking to a "transitional government" to put an end to the rule of President Assad.

However, the negotiations are shrouded by uncertainty: Only a few hours before they began the topics of discussion were still unknown. In addition, a new front in the battle between the Syrian government and Western powers opened, on Damascus’ insistence that the removal of President Bashar al-Assad is "a red line" that cannot be crossed.

For the French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, this statement by his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem represent a "provocation" and a "bad signal" ahead of the talks.

Analysts and international policy experts point out that the scenario has changed since last month, when the previous "indirect" talks between the two sides failed after only two days. However, the fate of Assad and the possible holding of elections within 18 months remains a major obstacle in view of a common peace plan.

Bassel Salloukh, professor of political science at the Lebanese American University in Beirut emphasizes that the current talks are to be considered an "international forum" of the powers involved in the conflict.

Bashar al-Jaafari, the Syrian government negotiator, said yesterday that the regime's representatives have entered into "positive discussions" with the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, but uncertainty over the topic of negotiations remains.

Representatives of the High Negotiation Committee (Hnc), the most important Syrian rebel faction that opposes the President and is supported by the Saudis, have expressed their commitment to the negotiations.  The anti-Assad front reaffirms that the future transitional government must enjoy full executive powers.

• Syria United
• Nations truce war peace talks opposition assad