Damascus wants a national dialogue away from interference

Syrian authorities said Saturday, October 20 a national dialogue away from any interference was the only way out of the crisis in Syria, in Damascus after a meeting between Foreign Minister Walid Moallem and international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi who wants a truce. They have discussed the "cessation of violence (...) to prepare the climate for a comprehensive dialogue Syria, which the Government is the only way out (of the crisis), far from any foreign intervention," according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.

The two men discussed the obligations of other regional parties which "hinder the mission of Mr. Brahimi continuing to host, arming and training of the armed terrorist groups," the ministry said in describing the maintenance " constructive "and" serious. " Indeed, President Bashar Al-Assad calls "terrorists" opponents and rebels since the beginning of March 2011 popular protest movement repressed by his troops.

Mr. Brahimi will meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to an unspecified date, the Syrian government has proposed a cease-fire for the Muslim feast of Al-Adha, celebrated from October 26 to 28. The international emissary met in late afternoon at his hotel in Damascus opposition members tolerated by the regime, including Hassan Abdel Azim, spokesman for the Coordinating Committee for Democratic National Change (CCCND) .

"THIS OPENS THE WAY FOR A POLITICAL PROCESS"

Abdel Azim said the CCCND, which includes Arab nationalist parties, Kurdish and socialist, welcomed the proposal of Mr. Brahimi truce. "This proposed truce during the festival could continue, medical aid could be lavished (the population) and released prisoners. This will open the way for a political process," he dit.M. Abdel Azim said that the Arab, regional and international "adhere" to the initiative of Mr. Brahimi which could lead to results. "The violence in Syria has reached a dangerous level that threatens the sovereignty and independence of this country," added the opponent, while expressing the hope that the political process "lead this country to a civil and democratic state wanted by the Syrians. "

Upon his arrival in Damascus Friday, the international envoy said the discussions would focus on "the need to reduce the current violence and if possible stop on the occasion of Eid al-Adha." Before the arrival of Mr. Brahimi, the Syrian authorities had said they wanted to see what he had to say. The opposition has expressed its willingness to accept the truce on condition that the cease-fire regime first. Mr. Brahimi, which is the second visit to Damascus since taking office on 1 September, stated during his regional tour, the cease-fire could be the basis for launching a " political process. "