07/02/2014 17:00
Syria to participate in 2nd round of peace talks
Syria's government said on Friday that it will participate in a second round of peace talks in Geneva, CNN reported, citing the state-run SANA news agency.
"Restoring security and stability to Syria makes it necessary to discuss putting an end to terrorism and violence as stated in Geneva Communique and underlines the need for agreement of both Syrian sides on that for protecting the Syrian citizens and stopping the Syrian bloodshed at the hands of regionally and internationally-backed armed terrorist groups," said Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Faisal Mikdad.
The talks will build upon the first round of discussions, he said. The Syrian conflict, which has left more than 100,000 people dead and millions more displaced, has raged for nearly three years.
Meanwhile, at least 200 people are expected to be evacuated from the besieged city of Homs, according to the Homs Governor, SANA reported.
The evacuations are due to take place in the neighborhood of Jouret al-Shiah towards al-Mimas area, Homs governor Talal al-Barazi said.