Seeking unity, Syrian opposition calls for delaying Geneva II

The Syrian opposition suggested on Monday postponing the Geneva II conference until February, when they are expected to be more prepared, media sources reported.

A delegation of the Syrian opposition is scheduled to meet today in Geneva with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, UN and Arab League envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi and other American officials.

Members of the opposition explained that they have asked for the delay in order to have enough time to coordinate with the Free Army Brigades, and to cooperate with them.

They also called for having a framework of the agreement discussed at Geneva I, which includes forming a transitional government with complete executive power.

According to the sources, the Syrian opposition also called for putting more pressure on the Syrian regime. They asked for lifting the siege on besieged areas and other goodwill gestures ahead of the conference.

The sources, which were cited by Al-Arabia television, pointed out that another reason for suggesting the conference be delayed is because the opposition is still waiting for an American-Russian agreement on the Syrian issue. When that is reached there will be a better chance of guaranteeing the implementation of any potential agreement.

Meanwhile, a member of the National Change Current in Syria, Bahiya Mardini, revealed that US Ambassador Robert Ford has assured the opposition that the deal between Iran and Western countries regarding its nuclear programme would not negatively affect the Syrian issue.