[22 Oct 2013] Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham Press...
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi will travel to Iran soon to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria.During her weekly press briefing, Iran\'s...
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi will travel to Iran soon to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria.During her weekly press briefing, Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said Brahimi is expected in Tehran early next week. The senior diplomat is currently on a regional tour to rally support for the Geneva-two peace conference-- likely to be held in November. Afkham further stressed that Iran favors a political solution to the Syrian conflict, and won\'t accept any preconditions for taking part in the Geneva meeting. She noted that Syrian people themselves should determine their country\'s fate.
12m:12s
4387
[22 Oct 2013] Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham Press...
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi will travel to Iran soon to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria.During her weekly press briefing, Iran\'s...
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi will travel to Iran soon to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria.During her weekly press briefing, Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said Brahimi is expected in Tehran early next week. The senior diplomat is currently on a regional tour to rally support for the Geneva-two peace conference-- likely to be held in November. Afkham further stressed that Iran favors a political solution to the Syrian conflict, and won\'t accept any preconditions for taking part in the Geneva meeting. She noted that Syrian people themselves should determine their country\'s fate.
10m:52s
4398
[22 Oct 2013] Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham Press...
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi will travel to Iran soon to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria.During her weekly press briefing, Iran\'s...
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi will travel to Iran soon to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria.During her weekly press briefing, Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said Brahimi is expected in Tehran early next week. The senior diplomat is currently on a regional tour to rally support for the Geneva-two peace conference-- likely to be held in November. Afkham further stressed that Iran favors a political solution to the Syrian conflict, and won\'t accept any preconditions for taking part in the Geneva meeting. She noted that Syrian people themselves should determine their country\'s fate.
14m:59s
4538
[28 Oct 2013] Brahimi: Pres. Assad could play constructive role in...
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could play a constructive role in a future transition in his country....
UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could play a constructive role in a future transition in his country.
Brahimi is in Damascus on the latest leg of a regional tour to rally support for the upcoming Geneva talks. In an interview with a French magazine ahead of his trip, he said a deal on Syria\'s arsenal of chemical weapons has transformed Assad from Quote-- a pariah into a partner. On Sunday, the veteran Algerian diplomat was in Tehran, where he insisted on Iran\'s participation in the Geneva conference. However, Brahimi faces an uphill task in convincing the fractured foreign-backed opposition to attend the talks. And 19 militant groups have issued threats against those who plan to attend the Geneva conference. Brahimi says he fears Syria may become a failed state like Somalia if a peace agreement cannot be reached.
0m:48s
5832
[29 Oct 2013] International efforts underway to solve Syrian crisis...
The UN-Arab League envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi has started intensified meetings in the Syrian capital Damascus. He has met delegations...
The UN-Arab League envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi has started intensified meetings in the Syrian capital Damascus. He has met delegations representing opposition groups including National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change. The group expressed readiness to participate in Geneva two peace talks.
1m:54s
4295
[20 Dec 2013] Brahimi: Iran not invited to Geneva II talks at US request...
The UN-Arab League envoy for syria Lakhdar Brahimi says that Iran has not been invited to the Geneva Two conference, at the request of the US....
The UN-Arab League envoy for syria Lakhdar Brahimi says that Iran has not been invited to the Geneva Two conference, at the request of the US.
Brahimi announced the list of countries officially invited to the Geneva Two conference-- aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to the syrian crisis. Among the countries invited to the event are Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, India and Indonesia. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry have reportedly held talks on the upcoming Geneva conference. Russia insists that Iran should be part of the talks, saying excluding Tehran from the conference would be counter-productive.
0m:36s
5340
[31 Jan 2014] The Debate - Inconclusive Talks (P.1) - English
The first round of the Geneva-2 conference has ended: U.N.-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi tried to put a positive spin on the summit: And...
The first round of the Geneva-2 conference has ended: U.N.-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi tried to put a positive spin on the summit: And what does he have to show for it? Not even a 100% commitment from Syrian delegation to attend the 2nd round on Feb 10. Yet, both sides agreed on one topic wholeheartedly, and without reservation: a minute of silence for the dead from both sides.
In this edition of the debate , we\'ll discuss how Geneva 2 failed to live up to any expectations, Iran\'s absence, and how far this conflict is from being over, which by some estimates, could be prolonged for a year, or even longer.
10m:24s
5578
[31 Jan 2014] The Debate - Inconclusive Talks (P.2) - English
The first round of the Geneva-2 conference has ended: U.N.-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi tried to put a positive spin on the summit: And...
The first round of the Geneva-2 conference has ended: U.N.-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi tried to put a positive spin on the summit: And what does he have to show for it? Not even a 100% commitment from Syrian delegation to attend the 2nd round on Feb 10. Yet, both sides agreed on one topic wholeheartedly, and without reservation: a minute of silence for the dead from both sides.
In this edition of the debate , we\'ll discuss how Geneva 2 failed to live up to any expectations, Iran\'s absence, and how far this conflict is from being over, which by some estimates, could be prolonged for a year, or even longer.
9m:4s
4874
[12 Feb 2014] The Debate - Syria Situation (P.1) - English
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while...
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while hosting France in a lavish ceremony in Washington, a stance that was shared by France as well. Why does the US continue to think that arming the opposition will lead to a positive outcome, never mind what they call the moderate opposition? In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss the prospects of the Geneva conference, which the Syrian delegation says the focus should be terrorism, not the transitional governing body, and why the prospects of parallel talks between Russia, US and int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi also look to lead no-where.
Guests:
- Journalist & Political Commentator, Richard Millet (LONDON).
- Author & Historian, Webster Griffin Tarpley (WASHINGTON).
Subjects:
1. The US is adamant in its arming of the opposition, the moderate one: Does the US even know who the moderate opposition is, why this persistence, again, making this announcement again during Geneva talks?
2. Another repeated announcement, by the US: the threat of foreign fighters 7,000 of them from some 50 countries, including Europe, with some American, tied to al-Qaeda, the al-Nusra Front, who aspire to attack the United States
3. This piece of news did not make it to major for a variety of reasons: that the intel. Western intelligence agencies have visited Damascus for talks on combating terrorist groups: Faisal Mekdad told state TV BBC that there was a schism between Western security officials and politicians who are pressing President Bashar al-Assad to step down; the growing numbers of foreign terrorists from Europe means there are common concerns
4. On the Geneva negotiations: the divided SNC: today we presented our main document which includes the steps and principles in transitional process: 22 points: formation of transitional governing body, made by the 2 parties...and some other points. The Syrian delegation response: comprehensive document detailing the horrendous deaths by the hands of these foreign backed insurgents: Why such resistance against first rooting out terrorism inside Syria/
5. Parallel talks seemed like a good idea: Originally a Russian proposal, floated again, to originally include Turkey Saudi Arabia and IRan, along with the US and Russia: now narrowed to the US and Russia, with int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, slated for Friday?
6. Get Iran involved in the peace talks: Increase chances for a solution: Geneva track record obviously proves these talks have failed, except for the evacuation of some civilians trapped in Homs: What\'s the hold-up?
7. Reaction: Syria Media advisor: Botheina Sha\'aban: The West and Israel wanted to change regional balance and power to their own benefit: the outcome of the conflict: a proxy war, with Turkey Qatar and Saudi Arabia as the main supporters of the war under western and US influence: Has this failed, or is that still the goal?
11m:0s
7948
[12 Feb 2014] The Debate - Syria Situation (P.2) - English
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while...
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while hosting France in a lavish ceremony in Washington, a stance that was shared by France as well. Why does the US continue to think that arming the opposition will lead to a positive outcome, never mind what they call the moderate opposition? In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss the prospects of the Geneva conference, which the Syrian delegation says the focus should be terrorism, not the transitional governing body, and why the prospects of parallel talks between Russia, US and int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi also look to lead no-where.
Guests:
- Journalist & Political Commentator, Richard Millet (LONDON).
- Author & Historian, Webster Griffin Tarpley (WASHINGTON).
Subjects:
1. The US is adamant in its arming of the opposition, the moderate one: Does the US even know who the moderate opposition is, why this persistence, again, making this announcement again during Geneva talks?
2. Another repeated announcement, by the US: the threat of foreign fighters 7,000 of them from some 50 countries, including Europe, with some American, tied to al-Qaeda, the al-Nusra Front, who aspire to attack the United States
3. This piece of news did not make it to major for a variety of reasons: that the intel. Western intelligence agencies have visited Damascus for talks on combating terrorist groups: Faisal Mekdad told state TV BBC that there was a schism between Western security officials and politicians who are pressing President Bashar al-Assad to step down; the growing numbers of foreign terrorists from Europe means there are common concerns
4. On the Geneva negotiations: the divided SNC: today we presented our main document which includes the steps and principles in transitional process: 22 points: formation of transitional governing body, made by the 2 parties...and some other points. The Syrian delegation response: comprehensive document detailing the horrendous deaths by the hands of these foreign backed insurgents: Why such resistance against first rooting out terrorism inside Syria/
5. Parallel talks seemed like a good idea: Originally a Russian proposal, floated again, to originally include Turkey Saudi Arabia and IRan, along with the US and Russia: now narrowed to the US and Russia, with int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, slated for Friday?
6. Get Iran involved in the peace talks: Increase chances for a solution: Geneva track record obviously proves these talks have failed, except for the evacuation of some civilians trapped in Homs: What\'s the hold-up?
7. Reaction: Syria Media advisor: Botheina Sha\'aban: The West and Israel wanted to change regional balance and power to their own benefit: the outcome of the conflict: a proxy war, with Turkey Qatar and Saudi Arabia as the main supporters of the war under western and US influence: Has this failed, or is that still the goal?
10m:8s
8640
[21 Oct 2013] The rift among Syria opposition groups puts planned talks...
The Syria peace talks or the Geneva TWO conference remains in doubt amid wrangling between foreign-backed opposition groups.
Arab League Chief...
The Syria peace talks or the Geneva TWO conference remains in doubt amid wrangling between foreign-backed opposition groups.
Arab League Chief Nabil al-Arabi has announced that the Geneva conference will be held on November 23. But the UN-Arab league envoy has refused to announce a date. Lakhdar Brahimi-- who\'s on a tour of the Middle East to drum up support for the initiative-- says the talks can only be held if a credible opposition takes part in it. The remarks were in reference to a growing rift among foreign-backed opposition factions. The so-called Syrian National Coalition says a decision whether to attend the talks would be taken in the coming days. But, it remains unclear whether it can enforce any agreement as dozens of militant groups have recently rejected the umbrella group as their representative.
0m:49s
5763
[27 Oct 2013] Iranian President says political solution is the only way...
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says political solution is the only way to put an end to violence in Syria.
Rouhani also said the international...
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says political solution is the only way to put an end to violence in Syria.
Rouhani also said the international community has reached the conclusion that military intervention is not a solution to the Syrian crisis, and THAT is a good sign. He made the remarks during a meeting with the visiting UN-Arab League Special Envoy for Syria. Lakhdar Brahimi for his part said that he always defends Iran\'s participation in the Geneva 2 talks. The UN-Arab League Special Envoy for Syria said yesterday that Iran\'s participation in the Geneva talks is QUOTE natural, necessary, and fruitful. Brahimi\'s visit to Tehran is part of his Middle East tour to lobby support for the meeting. The Geneva talks has been slated for November 23rd and 24th, to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict.
0m:50s
6481
[28 Oct 2013] UN Arab League special envoy arrives in Damascus - English
The UN-Arab League Special Envoy for Syria has arrived in Damascus as part of a tour aimed at garnering support for proposed peace talks....
The UN-Arab League Special Envoy for Syria has arrived in Damascus as part of a tour aimed at garnering support for proposed peace talks.
Lakhdar Brahimi was welcomed by Syrian deputy foreign minister Faisal Moqdad upon his arrival. Brahimi traveled to several countries in the Middle and Near East including Iran to prepare the grounds for the Geneva Two conference. The talks are aimed at ending Syria\'s two-and-a-half-year unrest. This is Brahimi\'s first visit to Syria since December.
0m:32s
5550
[22 Nov 2013] Date for Syria conference to be set in Geneva on Monday -...
U-S, Russian, and U-N envoys are scheduled to hold a meeting in Geneva on Monday to agree on a date for an international c on Syria.
A U-N...
U-S, Russian, and U-N envoys are scheduled to hold a meeting in Geneva on Monday to agree on a date for an international c on Syria.
A U-N spokesman said United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon should announce a date. It would be the first gathering to bring the government and rebels together. U-N-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi and U-N, Russian, and U-S envoys will be attending Monday\'s meeting. Whether Iran and other key players, such as Saudi Arabia, will be invited will also be discussed on Monday. A U-N diplomat said the international conference on Syria may be held in January, but the date will be announced after the talks. The U-N says the 32-month Syria conflict has left over 100-thousand people dead.
0m:42s
5876
[26 Nov 2013] No preconditions, only way for Syria talks: James Jatras -...
Press TV has conducted an interview with James Jatras, former advisor to US Senate, about UN-Arab League Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar...
Press TV has conducted an interview with James Jatras, former advisor to US Senate, about UN-Arab League Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi saying that the Geneva II conference on Syria, set for January 22, would start \"without any preconditions.\"
4m:9s
4744
[23 Dec 2013] UN chief wants Iran to attend Syria peace talks - English
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has launched a new effort to include Iran in the upcoming Syria peace talks in Geneva.
Ban Ki-moon said that...
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has launched a new effort to include Iran in the upcoming Syria peace talks in Geneva.
Ban Ki-moon said that Iran needs to contribute to peace in Syria along with others in the region. He also called the division about Iranian participation unfortunate. The remarks came two days after the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, released a list of participants for the January talks. Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, India, and Indonesia are some of the countries invited to the conference. Brahimi said that Iran is not on the list because of US opposition. Russia, which insists on Iran\\\'s participation, has criticized the US position, calling it illogical. The UN chief, however, has expressed hope that the question of Iran\\\'s participation can be resolved soon.
4m:53s
5772
[26 Jan 2014] Insurgents in Syria demand complete end to siege of parts...
Insurgents in Syria have expressed doubt about the implementation of a new deal reached at the Geneva peace conference, under which the government...
Insurgents in Syria have expressed doubt about the implementation of a new deal reached at the Geneva peace conference, under which the government has agreed to let women and children leave besieged districts of the city of Homs.
Insurgents operating in the city have called for a complete end to the siege of the areas, which have been under a blockade since June 20-12. They also say they want guarantees from the UN or the International Committee of the Red Cross that the people leaving the areas will not be arrested by Syrian forces. Earlier, UN and Arab League special envoy on Syria Lakhdar Brahimi said Damascus has agreed to let women and children leave the areas. The agreement was reached on the third day of the peace talks between the Syrian government and the foreign-backed opposition in Geneva.
4m:30s
5815
[30 Jan 2014] UN chief confirms Syrian govt., SNC negotiators will meet...
Representatives from the Syrian government and the foreign-backed opposition will resume meetings in February.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon...
Representatives from the Syrian government and the foreign-backed opposition will resume meetings in February.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has confirmed the February talks. The confirmation comes as the two sides prepare to wrap up the Geneva negotiations on Friday which were mediated by UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. The two sides remained deadlocked on Thursday over the issue of terrorism in Syria. They blame each other for the ongoing violence.
4m:9s
4709
[11 Feb 2014] Syria Deputy Foreign Minister says no agenda has been...
Syria\'s Deputy Foreign Minister says no agenda has been agreed on for the so-called peace talks in Geneva, blaming the opposition party of...
Syria\'s Deputy Foreign Minister says no agenda has been agreed on for the so-called peace talks in Geneva, blaming the opposition party of refusing to discuss the issue of terrorism.
Meqdad added that the opposition is only trying to waste time. He made the remarks after holding the second round of negotiations with the foreign-backed opposition in Geneva. The first round of talks last month produced no tangible results, with each side blaming the other for the ongoing violence. But according to U-N envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, some common ground was reached.
1m:46s
5428