Peace Talks on Political Transition Only Way to Resolve Syrian Conflict

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that Syrian conflict can be settled only by means of peace talks on political transition.

GENEVA (Sputnik) — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated on Wednesday there was no alternative to the Syrian peace talks on political transition to settle the conflict.

"There is no military solution to the conflict and there is no alternative to negotiating a political transition that will lead to a new Syria," Ban said at the opening of the high level meeting on global responsibility sharing for Syrian refugees.

The UN chief stressed that Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura was doing everything possible to advance the negotiations and urged unified global support to the talks.

"We have a cessation of hostilities – but the parties must consolidate and expand it into a ceasefire, and ultimately to a political solution through dialogue. We have more humanitarian space – but that must lead to unhindered access to all those in need," he added.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with forces loyal to President Bashar Assad's government fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.

The ceasefire in Syria worked out by Russia and the United States, took effect on February 27 and has been holding despite minor violations.