In the week following the highly contested parliamentary elections in Syria, the peace talks that took place in Geneva have slowed down tremendously due to renewed fighting on the ground and unbridgeable positions between the opposition and the government forces. On 18 April, the main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HCN) had stated to be pulling out of the current negotiations until renewed violence would end and humanitarian help and resources would be allowed to enter certain cities. The HCN claims to remain committed to a political solution, however no negotiation will be possible while the cessation of hostilities is being violated. Another factor that plays a large role in the negotiations is the issue of removing President Assad from his political platform. The opposition in Syria has accused the regime of President Assad of more than 2000 violation of the ceasefire agreement since it was initiated end February.

U.S. President Obama and Russian President Putin have exchanged talks on 22 April for further cooperation between their defence ministries and work on a renewed viable solution. While the opposition and the formal UN ‘road to peace’ are arguing for the necessity of creating a transitional governing body, the UN proposed an alternative solution last week that would keep Assad in place while appointing three vice-presidents from different groups for the positions of security, military and reconstruction. The HNC has rejected this as it aims for the total removal of Assad. The regime has stated the most it is willing to offer the opposition is a place in a unity government under Mr. Assad.

A chronological worsening of the situation from 18 to 24 April is indicated by the sources below:

18 April: Syrian opposition indicates it aims to pause participation in Geneva peace talks
Read more (1) >>
Read more (2) >>

19 April: Syrian opposition officially refrains temporarily from peace talks
Read more (3) >>

22 April: Syrian truce in serious danger of collapse due to renewed attacks from both sides
Read more (4) >>

23 April: Syrian opposition coordinator blaims UN for not achieving peace goals and defends peace talk pause
Read more (5) >>
Read more (6) >> EU statement defending achievements in road to peace

24 April: Fighting in Syria rages on as U.S. and Russia try to reinstate Syria truce
Read more (7) >>