The United States, France, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have unveiled a roadmap for the Syrian peace process which would curb president Bashar al-Assad'w powers, pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat and Russia Today reported on Friday.
The document limits the president’s authorities and "draws a line" between him and the prime minister, Asharq al-Awsat said, citing Western diplomatic sources.
The document urges a "neutral"Syrian security apparatus, the withdrawal of “foreign militias” from the country, according to the sources. It roadmap suggests that United Nations special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura pressure the Syrian government and opposition delegations "to hold compulsory talks on constitutional reforms, placing new criteria allowing the UN to monitor the upcoming polls, and create a safe and objective environment in Syria that allows holding elections without fear.”
Asharq al-Awsat also reports that UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has sent a letter to Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov setting out conditions for the UN to take part in the Sochi conference on Syria on Monday and Tuesday including that the Syrian government "constructively engage" in the UN mediated Vienna talks that resumed on Thursday.
Guterres also demands that a constitutional committee be formed containing representatives from the Syrian government, the opposition and other parties which will oversee national dialogue and draft a new constitution, according the daily.
A further condition is that Assad approves a new constitution under which parliamentary and presidential elections will take place under UN supervision and line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 calling for a ceasefire and political settlement in Syria, said Asharq al-Awsat.
