For the first time in Syria's eight-year conflict, the country has embarked on what may be a historic moment as opposing sides negotiate a new constitution.
One hundred and fifty Syrians representing the Syrian government, opposition groups and civil society met face-to-face in Geneva at UN-backed talks to discuss their future
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen urged participants of this newly-formed Syrian Constitutional Committee to seize this opportunity for the sake of the Syrian people.
IN: "Today could become…
OUT: … hard work begins."
DUR: 25 seconds
The aim of the historic meeting is to draft the text for a new Syrian constitution and pave the way for a Syrian-owned political transition. If successful, this would be the first political agreement between the Syrian government and the opposition towards peace.
Speaking for the Government of Syria, Constitutional Committee co-chair Ahmad Kuzbari warned about the challenges posed by external players.
IN: (Arabic+ dub) "We are committed…
OUT: … the United Nations."
DUR: 31 seconds
Speaking for the opposition, co-chair Hadi Albahra called for the release of all detainees and to determine the fate of missing and displaced people, and conveyed the opposition's commitment to the talks.
IN: (Arabic+ dub) "We all know…
OUT: … unspeakable suffering."
DUR: 28 seconds