The UN's peace envoy for Syria on Friday said a committee representing Syria’s government and the opposition will meet for a seventh round of talks in Geneva next month over draft constitutional reforms.
Geir Pedersen told the UN Security Council that talks among the 45-member committee would start on March 21 — but played down hopes of a breakthrough in what has been a drawn out process.
The body is split three ways between the Syrian government, the opposition and civil society. It has met six times since October 2019.
Many analysts say Syrian President Bashar Al Assad has few reasons to negotiate as his forces have recaptured much of the war-ravaged country.
“The parties’ positions are substantively far apart and narrowing their differences will inevitably be an incremental process,” Mr Pedersen told UN diplomats.
Mr Pedersen urged panellists to make compromises and work “expeditiously and continuously to produce results” to end Syria’s war, which grinds on and claims lives even as its front lines barely shift.
“It is plain that there is a stalemate, that there is acute suffering and that a political solution is the only way out,” said Mr Pedersen.
“This requires a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process, which must be supported by constructive international diplomacy — however hard that is and especially right now.”
Mohamed Abushahab, the deputy UN ambassador for the UAE, which holds a two-year seat on the council, welcomed the fresh constitutional talks as a way forward for rival camps to tackle “more complex challenges” down the road.
“The reality that Syria is an Arab country and that its stability is linked to the stability of the Arab region cannot be ignored,” said Mr Abushahab.
He stressed the “importance of an increased Arab role, as this approach is the most viable for supporting mediation efforts … with the aim of resolving the crisis and preserving the security of the region”.
The UN’s road map to peace in Syria, which is backed by the Security Council, calls for the drafting of a new constitution and UN-supervised elections with all Syrians, including those abroad, allowed to participate.
A 150-member committee was created to draft a new constitution at a Russia-hosted peace conference in January 2018, though it was not formed until September 2019. A smaller, 45-member group is doing the actual drafting.
Syria’s conflict, which began in March 2011, has killed half a million people and displaced half the country’s prewar population of 23 million, including more than five million refugees that have spilt across the country’s borders.
Though fighting has subsided in recent months, pockets of territory controlled by the Syrian opposition still exist and are home to millions of people.
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now
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Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
