Proposed UN statement would back preparatory talks on Syria

Syrian United Nations Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari, center, stands with other diplomats gathered for a news conference following a Security Council meeting on Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at UN headquarters. AP

UNITED NATIONS—A draft UN Security Council statement strongly backs intensive preparatory talks on key issues to restore peace to conflict-torn Syria, including a political transition and fighting terrorism.

UN diplomats said Tuesday that a deadline of noon Wednesday EDT (1600 GMT) has been set for council members to raise objections to the proposed presidential statement, which was obtained by The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because consultations were private.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters Friday there was “a high possibility” that the council, which has been deeply divided over Syria, would endorse a new plan by UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura aimed at setting the stage for new peace talks.

Churkin said “it would be the first exclusively political document on the Syrian crisis adopted by consensus.”