WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Following a May meeting of the International Syria Support Group, co-chaired by the United States and Russia, the stakeholders agreed to an August 1 target date to establish a credible government transition process.
"Almost all of the time from the moment of the announcement of the target date until today has been consumed by trying to get a cessation of hostilities in place that is meaningful," Kerry said during a press conference.
Kerry said that missing the date came as a result of continued "offensive operations" by Syrian President Bashar Assad, and the opposition’s inability to negotiate in Geneva.
The United States, Russia, the United Nations and other stakeholders are continuing work to implement a ceasefire between government and opposition forces in a civil war that has been ongoing since March 2011.
