Brahimi to brief Arab Group later Wednesday

The Joint Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi is scheduled to brief the Arab Group Wednesday on latest developments in Syria during a working luncheon hosted by Iraqi Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim, the Group's Chairman for this month, according to UN sources. Brahimi briefed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday on his failure to narrow the gap between the two Syrian warring sides - the Government and the opposition - during the two rounds of the Geneva-2 peace talks last month, and on the way forward. Asked to react to the President of the Syrian National Council Ahmed Al-Jarba's statement at the Arab League meeting last weekend when he said "time for diplomacy is over," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said "we believe diplomacy should continue, and will continue, and the UN will continue its effort to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the conflict." Brahimi is scheduled to brief the Security Council Thursday. He is also scheduled to brief the General Assembly on Friday, as requested by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. Ban will also brief the Assembly. Brahimi scheduled then canceled a press conference later today with UNESCO's Director-General Irina Bokova on the destruction of cultural heritage in Syria. In a related matter, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu discussed the situation is Syria late Tuesday separately with UN General Assembly President John Ashe and Ban. Source: KUNA