UN Envoy Calls for New International Talks on Syrian War

UNITED NATIONS - With no progress toward ending the 10-year Syrian conflict, the U.N. special envoy for Syria called Friday for new international talks on concrete steps like exchanging prisoners and a nationwide cease-fire that the government and opposition could agree on as initial steps to give impetus to a political solution.

Geir Pedersen told the U.N. Security Council he believes these and other areas "of vital concern for average Syrians" have the potential to achieve common ground among Syria's warring parties. Progress would also "promote internal and regional stability and build trust and confidence," he said. "This will not be easy," Pedersen said. But he said he senses that all key players are interested in deepening talks on a way ahead, which is why "we need a new constructive international dialogue on Syria." Pedersen said he has been in regular contact with senior officials from Russia, a close Syria ally, and the United States, which supports the opposition, before and since this month's meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden. He said he has also been in regular contact with many countries on the 15-member Security Council and key states in the region.