Islam Times - Kofi Annan holds talks with Turkish officials and Syrian opposition to end unrest in Syria

Kofi Annan holds talks with Turkish officials and Syrian opposition to end unrest in Syria

Islam Times - The United Nations and the Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan has held talks with top Turkish officials and Syrian opposition leaders in Ankara as part of his efforts to accomplish his mission to end the unrest in Syria.

Annan stressed that he will try to bring the Syrian administration and the opposition at a table to find a political solution for the Syrian crisis.

Former UN Secretary-General, in his meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu briefed them about the latest developments he had witnessed since the start of his mission.

The Syrian figures that held talks with Annan were headed by the leader of Syrian National Council Burhan Ghaliun. Annan termed the negotiations as constructive.

The Syrian opposition leader said there are a number of countries ready to arm the Syrian opposition forces, but stressed that the Syrian opposition’s main goal is to find a political solution to the problem in Syria.

This comes as the Syrian opposition has so far rejected talks with the Syrian administration.

Annan, also said he has presented a set of “complete proposals” to the Syrian administration and is waiting for the response from Damascus.

Observers believe that the result of Annan’s negotiations in Ankara will be a key factor in shaping the outcome of his tough mission to find a solution to the unrest in Syria.

Turkey has been at the forefront of multinational efforts to force Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

Turkey plans to host the next meeting of the so-called Friends of Syria group in Istanbul next month.

Now, it remains to be seen how Turkey’s stance toward Syria could impact the prospects for a political solution to end the unrest in Syria.