27/01/2014 17:32
Syria talks: 'Impasse' on power transfer at Geneva
The Syrian peace talks in Geneva are deadlocked over the divisive issue of transferring power to a transitional government, the BBC reported, citing sources.
The Syrian government team reportedly presented a "declaration of principles" that did not mention transfer of power, and it was rejected by the opposition.
The sides are divided on the future role of President Bashar al-Assad.
There has been no progress reported either on allowing aid convoys into besieged areas of the city of Homs.
The peace talks resumed in Geneva at 10:00 GMT, the UN said.
But Syrian state media and opposition delegates both later reported that the government's declaration of principles had been rejected by the opposition.
The declaration reportedly insisted that Syrians choose a political system without "imposed formulas" from outside, while also insisting on discussing "terrorism" rather than transfer of power.
The opposition insists that Mr Assad must be replaced by a transitional administration.
Opposition delegate, Monzer Akbik, earlier said the teams had to discuss the make-up of the transitional body.
He said: "The people not acceptable are the people who committed crimes against humanity and war crimes including Assad and his associates who have blood on their hands."
The UN plan to send humanitarian aid to Homs was also on the agenda.
However, Mr Akbik said on Monday there was no progress to report on convoys.
He said: "The city of Homs, the Old City of Homs, is still under starvation siege and there is no progress also in the releasing of prisoners.
"The regime is saying that it's going to allow the convoys. There are 12 trucks [from the] Red Crescent waiting there for the regime to allow them in, but they are not allowed in yet."