Syria conference must be held in peace

Press TV has conducted an interview with George Jabour, political commentator, about US Secretary of State John Kerry stressing that an international conference must be held soon, in order to explore ways of ending the crisis in Syria. What follows is an approximate transcription of the interview.

Press TV: Mr. Jabour, a lot of people are saying that the Geneva 2 Conference is very important in bringing about a political solution to the situation in Syria but how successful do you think this conference is going to be and what are the obstacles in the way of that political settlement?

Jabour: Well first of all it has been delayed. First it was announced that it will be by the end of May, now we are talking about August and later.

Second, there is a problem with the representation of the opposition. The opposition is not one group but then it seems that some states are insisting that all opposition be part of one group and this is of course a problem.

And then third, is it for a political solution or is it for a political transfer of power? This is something very important. This means that the agenda of the conference is not quite clear.

Fourth, I have to say that under ground there is continuation of violence. This violence has to be stopped. It is better if the conference is held within an atmosphere of peace on earth, peace amongst the opposing groups.

So I suppose that these, all parties to the conflict have to work on cease-fire first. And as we are approaching Ramadan, I would call on all parties to proclaim some sort of a cease-fire on the occasion of the beginning of this holy month.

This is my personal view of course.