Geneva-2 to convene on January 22: UN's Ban

Ban will bring the Syrian government and opposition to the negotiating table for the first time since the start of the Syrian civil war in March 2011.

According to a statement from the spokesperson for the secretary-general, Ban said, "We will go to Geneva with a mission of hope."

Ban also noted that the Geneva conference is the "vehicle for a peaceful transition that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian people for freedom and dignity, and which guarantees safety and protection to all communities in Syria." 

"Its goal is the full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué of June 30,  2012, including the establishment, based on mutual consent, of a transitional governing body with full executive powers, including over military and security entities," Ban added.

With the expectation that Syrian representatives will come to Geneva with a clear understanding, Ban stressed the serious intention of ending a war which has already claimed well over 100,000 lives and has driven almost nine million others from their homes, leaving countless missing and detained.

In accordance with the Geneva Communiqué in Resolution 2118 (2013), Ban expects all regional and international partners to demonstrate their meaningful support for constructive negotiations.

The UN Security Council Resolution 2118 was adopted unanimously on September 27 in regards to the Framework for the Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons during the Syrian civil war. 

"All must show vision and leadership. All can begin working now to take steps to help the Geneva conference succeed, including toward the cessation of violence, humanitarian access, release of detainees and return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced to their homes," said Ban.  

Ban emphasized that the conflict in Syria has raged on for too long, adding, "It would be unforgivable not to seize this opportunity to bring an end to the suffering and destruction it has caused."

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