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January 31, 2013

Syrian Opposition Figure Offers Dialogue 
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The Israeli attack inside Syria comes amidst unrelenting violence in the
fight between the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebels
seeking his ouster. But in a sign of a potential diplomatic opening, the
head of Syria's main opposition group, Mouaz Alkhatib, said Wednesday he
is prepared to hold talks with Assad's representatives outside of Syria
if the government releases tens of thousands of prisoners. Alkhatib's
offer marked an apparent softening of a previously held position ruling
out any talks with Assad. Speaking during a visit to Kuwait, U.N.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged both sides to stop the fighting in
Syria.

Ban Ki-moon: "I urge again to members of the Security Council to feel
the sense of responsibility to humanity and history. We cannot go on
like this. What is a more important fact is that primary responsibility
rests with the Syrian government and President Assad. He should listen
to the voices and cries of so many people."

 

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