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January 23, 2014

1st Direct Talks on Syria to Include Prisoner Swaps, Aid Access 
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The United Nations will attempt to mediate the first direct talks
between the Syrian regime and the opposition on Friday in Geneva. The
negotiations could last up to 10 days if they are able to get off the
ground. Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said both sides are prepared to
discuss confidence-building measures, including humanitarian access and
the release of prisoners.

Lakhdar Brahimi: "We've had some fairly clear indications that the
parties are willing to discuss issues of access to needy people,
liberation of prisoners and local ceasefires, but certainty is a very
rare commodity in our kind of business."

 

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