Russia and US clear the way for Syria talks

The International Syria Support Group was expected to meet in New York on 18 December 2015, following talks between Russia and the United States which agreed in accelerating Syria's peace process.

However, media reports suggested that disagreement remained over president Bashar-al Assad's future.

In the event, the UN Security Council unanimously agreed a resolution (UN resolution 2254) endorsing an international roadmap for a peace process in Syria.

* the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) consists of: the Arab League, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, the UK, the United Nations, and the US.

ESO: Background information: Syria talks in Vienna http://www.europeansources.info/record/syria-talks-in-vienna/

Politico, 15.12.15: Kerry: Russia a ‘significant contributor’ to progress in Syria http://www.politico.eu/article/kerry-russia-a-significant-contributor-to-progress-in-syria/

Chatham House: Expert Comment, 22.12.15: The Slow Road to Peace in Syria: the Beginning of the End? https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/slow-road-peace-syria-beginning-end

The Guardian, 19.12.15: Future of Assad in doubt as UN unanimously supports Syria peace process http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/18/un-security-council-agree-resolution-on-syrian-peace-process

UN: Press Release 22.12.15: Syria: Security Council demands immediate humanitarian access across battle lines http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=52883#.Vnm4gFI2Veg

UN: Press Release 18.12.15: Security Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution 2254 (2015), Endorsing Road Map for Peace Process in Syria, Setting Timetable for Talks http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc12171.doc.htm

Politico, 23.12.15: POLITICO Caucus: West needs to make up with Putin http://www.politico.eu/article/politico-caucus-time-to-work-with-putin-syria-assad-insiders-poll/

BBC News, 23.12.15: Syria conflict: Russian air strikes 'killed 200 civilians' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35162523

Deutsche Welle, 23.12.15: Amnesty: Russian airstrikes killing hundreds of Syrian civilians http://dw.com/p/1HS1K

Deutsche Welle, 19.12.15: UN Security Council passes Syria resolution http://dw.com/p/1HQQu

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