France understands opposition\'s refusal to attend Geneva II if Damascus rejects Geneva I communique

French Ambassador Gerard Araud on Tuesday said there is no point for the Syrian opposition to attend the Geneva II Conference next month if the Syrian Government has not agreed to implement the Communique of Geneva I adopted in June 2012. "There is no reason for the (Syrian) opposition to go to Geneva II if right from the start the Syrian Government says it will not respect Geneva I and rejects the idea of a transitional authority with full executive powers. If you are in the opposition, you are going to Geneva to negotiate what? It really does not make sense," Araud, also Security Council President for this month, told a press conference. He said Syria, and even its ally Iran, never accepted the Communique, and said if Geneva II is all about that, then the organizers are dreaming. "France believes we cannot go to Geneva II if the basis of the negotiations for Geneva I can't move ahead," Araud insisted. He said Geneva II, scheduled for January 22nd, is the "only solution for the time being. We must do our utmost that there will be one, and to do everything to ensure that there will be a united representative delegation of the opposition, excluding combatants from Al-Qaeda." He expressed hope that the Conference will take place, but insisted at the same time that the "obstacles are still in place." He said if the participants in Geneva II agree on an outcome, Al-Qaeda combatants will not implement it. "The Syrian Government is trying to make sure that Al-Qaeda is powerful. We know this."