“OPCW has confirmed that chemical equipment in Syria have been destroyed”
Syrian president Bashar al Assad’s forces have been blamed for the attacks against hundreds of civilians in Syria. Nevertheless, Assad government rejected these claims and blamed the opposition group. With the successful intervention of Russia, a resolution has been reached by the opposing sides of conflict. The destruction of chemical weapons in Syria has been agreed between Syria, US and Russia.
On last Thursday, The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has confirmed that chemical equipment in Syria have been destroyed.
Following the news from OPCW, Geneva meeting (23rd November) was considered as a second step during the negotiation process to end the civil war in Syria. It was considered that the final decision regarding the Syrian conflict would be negotiated on the second meeting at Geneva with the attendance of US, Assad’s government, opposition side and Russia. Since there are other regional players such as Syrian National Coalition, militant Islamists groups, it slows down the negotiation process.
The question is that who is going to represent the opposition at Geneva 2 meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 23rd- 24th of November. This uncertainty causes long-term delays to the peace talks. Russia’s Deputy FM, Mikhail Bogdanov pointed out the conflict regarding the group who will be representing Syrian opposition.
Moreover, Syrian National Coalition group isn’t willing to participate in peace talks in Geneva meeting as they don’t want Assad get more time and power in near future. The conditions that National Coalition are looking for, seem unacceptable for Russia.
The ongoing instability in Syria has crippled the economy and social life. The major split in opposition groups in Syria not only trigger the civil unrest but also create a blockage on peace talks in Syria. However, Geneva 2 Meeting couldn’t be undermined as its consequences will have long-term effects for the region.
