Pre-set conditions present serious threat to Geneva II

The UN and Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Al-Ibrahimi, has said that Geneva II is already facing challenges after both the Syrian regime and opposition set unrealisable conditions.

Al-Ibrahimi said that the main obstacle for the conference is represented by the “coldness” of both sides towards it.

The regime has refused, he said, the participation of what it calls the “unlicensed opposition”.

Meanwhile, the opposition has called for guarantees from the Arab and Gulf States on the outcome of the conference.

The Geneva II Conference on Syria has faced many obstacles, conditions and disputes between both sides of the fight ever since Al-Ibrahimi started preparing for it.

Despite an agreement on holding the conference, Damascus has set a list of conditions ahead of its participation. It said that it refuses the participation of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces. On top of this condition, Damascus said that it completely refuses to talk about Bashar Al-Assad conceding his position as a president of Syria.

The National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, which is facing an internal credibility crisis, has also set conditions to its participation. It said that it demands guarantees by the Arab and Gulf States, as well as refuses the participation of Iran.

Al-Ibrahimi has himself recognised that great difficulties lie ahead of the conference that undermine the chances of even holding it.