Syria’s Peace Prospects in ‘Reverse Gear’ Amid Siege, U.S. Says
- Humanitarian aid convoys unable to reach beseiged areas
- Political talks unlikely to take place as fighting continues
Smoke and rubble rise after Syrian oppositions blow up a tunnel under Syrian Regime forces' headquarters in Aleppo's Ramuse region, Syria on Aug. 3, 2016.
Photographer: Muhammed Sheekh/Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesProspects for restarting Syrian peace talks have dimmed considerably this month as fighting that rages around the northern city of Aleppo prevents humanitarian aid convoys from delivering supplies, according to the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
The warring parties in the 5 1/2 year conflict are “a long way” from starting political talks, Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters Tuesday after a UN Security Council meeting. On humanitarian access, “we’re in reverse gear,” Power said. “On the cessation of hostilities, we’re back to where we were before the cessation of hostilities, with the additional negative of Aleppo being besieged.”