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G8 LEADERS ARE expected to reach an agreement on a way forward for the Syrian conflict today but the detail will be closely examined by aid agencies and others for what one of them termed ‘something concrete’.
AFP reports that world leaders are close to agreeing a statement that will likely focus on less contentious issues as Russia and the west continue to be at odds over the future of Bashar Assad’s regime.
Some of the issues they agree on are the need to push for a peace conference in Geneva and on humanitarian aid. More contentious is Russia’s belief that Assad should not automatically be forced from power in any change of government.
Leaders hope to agree to a summit in Geneva in the coming weeks that will aim to bring the two sides – Assad and the Syrian National Council – of the two-year-old conflict to the negotiating table.
Speaking last night the chief executive of aid agency Oxfam’s Irish operation, Jim Clarken, said that Syria needed to be high on the agenda and a summit between the two sides needed to the be “the number one priority” for G8 leaders.
There have benen “frank discussions” among leaders with the United States, Britain and France saying President Bashar al-Assad’s forces have used nerve gas but the regime’s ally Russia says there is no evidence to support their claims.
However there was agreement on the need for a transitional authority that would include all communities in Syria, which is increasingly divided along sectarian lines after more than two years of conflict.
Issues such as arms – after Washington said last week it would start supplying weapons to the rebels – were largely left off the table, officials told AFP.
Negotiating teams are said to have worked through the night to agree on a statement.
Clarken underlined the urgency of setting up to so-called Geneva Two summit, saying: ” [They need to] force this political solution, work to make sure this forum does happen, that it happens as soon as possible, that they get everybody to the table and that they work with the parties involved to get a peaceful solution, as soon as possible.”
Clarken also said that it was also important for G8 leaders to agree on extra humanitarian aid for Syria with the UN’s largest ever appeal for donations so far only 25 per cent subscribed.
This morning, a number of G8 governments have pledged around $700 million in aid including the governments of the US, Canada, Germany and Japan.
Clarken said he was hopeful that leaders would deliver “something concrete” when they conclude negotiations and issue their statement later today.
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Ahhh here leave it out.. what about the words of wisdom from Michelle with regards to the bravery awards to the garda. Priceless, just priceless. Any chance of having a Saturday/Sunday morning Darwin post of the week where a stupid comment (not a troll) acts as an application form or would this be seen as bullying :(
I agree, Michelle was outstanding!
Michelle was just the tonic for a bad week.
It’s a long time since I had such a laugh Michelle .
Thanks.
I was hoping her comment was here to.. really injoyed the replies she got.. made my day so she did..
I understand her initial comment was somewhat comical to read but what wasn’t comical was when no less than 20 users began berating her with varying degrees of snide remarks. I also understand that she retaliated in a poor manner… But like the saying, what do you expect from a badger if you back it into a corner? The comments section was something you could expect on a YouTube thread but I was disgusted to see such a personal attack with ‘crowd mentality’ against a single person…. But hey, it was all in the name of fun I guess so who cares? I do.
@ harry, i completely agree with you. I don’t agree with Michelle’s opinion but it was just that, her opinion. From the moment she posted her opinion she was met with a barrage of abuse, calling her a moron, retarded, dumb, half brained….. She actually tried to explain herself and her opinion 3 or 4 times before she resorted to petty insults. It’s pretty concerning that most of the so called “intelligent” posters felt the need to instantly react to her comment with childish name calling. Pot, kettle, black I think!
I was surprised at how quickly a usually fairly intelligent forum for debating current events descended into something that seemed more like a primary school yard. I don’t mean to be condescending but who knows if she has learning issues or otherwise, maybe she has none but it still doesn’t excuse the behaviour of a supposedly civilised society.
I laughed out loud may have given her a red thumb but didn’t partake in the crude comments, don’t like the mob mentally of bullying but her first few comments were priceless till people posted with venom.
And it’s true what they say about bullies being cowards when you look at the sudo names used.
Which article? I’m intrigued!
Promise to be nice and no name calling,
http://www.thejournal.ie/seven-gardai-honoured-medals-bravery-672775-Nov2012/
Just read that thread re the gardai and the comments that followed..looks like some have been deleted already.. What id like to know is why the whole thread hasnt been taken down? Its an absolute disgrace particularly when you take into account the recent stories regarding cyberbullying etc. There was little or no debate in relation to the content of the story, the comments reduced to total and utter personal abuse. how anyone could have enjoyed reading it is astounding.
Katie Does, brilliant comment.
Big time…but the Opus Dei dinosaurs are still trampling.
I did not post twice , I swear!
I’d like to thank my mom and dad and my brothers and me dog and my producer and anyone who knows me , thank you so much …..sob ..;)
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