Syria’s Friends Pressure Annan to Set Timeline

Free Syrian Army

Western and Arab nations urged the UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan to set a timeline of steps needed to persuade the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to end the conflict in Syria. The “Friends of Syria” stated in a final report on Sunday that Assad does not have the willingness and opportunity to meet his commitments to Annan.

The “Friends of Syria” recognized the opposition Syrian National Council (SNC) as a legitimate representative of all Syrians. The group clearly made no mention of supporting or arming the Free Syrian Army. However it will continue to work on additional and appropriate measures to protect the Syrian people.

Meanwhile Assad accepted the proposal, but has not implemented Annan’s six-point plan, which calls for a military cease fire and the retreat of forces from cities and towns, along with a permit that allows humanitarian access. (AV)