The UN Security Council has backed a new peace talks proposal aimed at bringing an end to the Syria conflict. The waring parties are to be invited to take part in working groups on how to implement the 2012 road map to peace which calls for the formation of a transitional government.
The suggestion of ‘working groups’ was made as the participants appear unready to hold formal peace talks.
The diplomatic initiative comes against an increase in Syrian airstrikes which have been strongly condemned by the UN for their civilian casualties.
“I am absolutely horrified by the total disregard for civilian life by all parties in this conflict. Attacks on civilians are unlawful, unacceptable and must stop,” said UN Humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien speaking in Damascus.
On Monday Syrian military bombarded an area northeast of Damascus keeping up its attack on a rebel-held district where around 100 people were killed on Sunday in an airstrike on a market.
The strike on Douma was one of t
