To give peace a chance

Various Syrian opposition groups met in Cairo recently, attempting to iron out their differences and decide whether to accept Russia’s invitation to attend a peace conference in Moscow.

Russia did not invite the National Coalition Alliance, the main Syrian opposition group, but invited 20 individuals from across the opposition spectrum, from Syria and from abroad, to participate in their private capacity.

The National Opposition Alliance saw in this Russian stance an attempt to downgrade its internationally recognised status.

The National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change in Syria appeared more amenable to the Russian invitation, while the National Coalition Alliance opted to leave the decision to its individual members.

The proposed peace talks among Syrian groups, in Moscow, are due within days. Preparations are now in full swing and efforts are exerted to have it attended by the widest shades of opinion from among the opposition ranks.

The Russian decision to call for a peace conference came as two UN-brokered peace conferences on Syria failed last year.

While there are no guarantees that the Russian initiative will succeed in bridging the wide gap among the sides and between opposition and government, there is no harm in them taking part in it.

Only by talking to each other can enemies reach an understanding.

At the same time, Moscow should call on all sides to observe a ceasefire.

Indiscriminate bombings, from all sides, will only inflame spirits and will definitely be counterproductive in the eventuality of peace talks being held.

It is very important to build a degree of confidence between Damascus and the opposition, and the best way to do so is to stop the killing and destruction in order to give peace a chance.