REPORT: Syria conference ends with UN chief appeal to both sides -...

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An international conference on Syria ended on Wednesday, with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calling on both Syrian delegations to work sincerely for a solution to the nearly three-year-old conflict.

Ban, addressing the talks in the Swiss resort of Montreux, told participants to uphold the Geneva communique of June 2012 which would install a transitional government with full executive powers.

"I hope that the real negotiations will begin in all their sincerity and with the full speed to embrace these goals. May both Syrian delegations be guided by wisdom, a deep sense of urgency, a spirit of compromise and a determination to preserve their country and its unique social fabric and to end the suffering of its people."

UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon

In the opening speech, UN's Ban thanked the Syrian opposition and the Syrian regime as well as all other countries that were present to attend the conference.

Ban said the challenges are hard and cooperation is a necessity in order to reach a solution, adding that the Syrian opposition and regime are both responsible for saving the country.

UN Chief Ban also called for full and immediate humanitarian access, particularly to besieged areas in Syria.

Swiss President Didier Burkhalter

Following the opening speech delivered by the UN chief, Swiss President Didier Burkhalter expressed his hope that participants at the Geneva II reach results that end the suffering of the Syrians.

Burkhalter stressed that violence should be seized, highlighting the importance of adopting a political solution.

The Swiss president added that Syrian refugees must be able to return to their country, noting that Switzerland is ready to contribute to the rebuilding process in Syria.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the task of conference is to seek an end for the “tragic conflict” in Syria, and to prevent its spillover into the rest of the region.

Russia’s Lavrov called on "external players" not to meddle in Syria’s internal affairs, adding that the internal opposition should be part of the Syrian national dialogue and Iran should be part of international dialogue.

US Secretary of State John Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry said the Syria peace conference will be 'a tough and complicated negotiation.'

“No way president Bashar al-Assad can be part of a transitional government,” Kerry said, stressing that “Assad cannot regain legitimacy to govern.”

Syria's FM Walid Moualem

Syrian FM Walid Moualem said “it’s a shame that the Syrian delegation has to sit with people whose hands are stained with the blood of the Syrian people.”

Moualem added that Syria will do what it takes to defend itself in ways that it deems appropriate, pointing out that “civilians in Syria are being killed under the pretext of a revolution.”

Syria’s Moualem also called for lifting sanctions off Syria, and urged countries to end their support of terrorism.

Moualem stressed that “those who want to talk in the name of the Syrian people should not be traitors,” expressing gratitude to Russia and China for respecting his country's sovereignty.

“All participants should take a ‘fateful decision to combat terrorism’ and start a political process in Syria,” Moualem said.

Syrian opposition leader Ahmad Jarba

Syrian opposition leader Ahmad Jarba called on Wednesday for independent international experts to visit Syrian jails to verify reports of alleged torture of detainees by government forces.

Jarba, in closing remarks to an international conference on Syria, said: "We demand today that an international commission of inquiry visit the detention centers of the regime where they carried out their torture and killings."

Jarba also said photos of torture by Syrian government forces are similar to crimes committed by Nazis, adding that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is responsible for war crimes in the country.

The Syrian opposition leader said Assad forces are strengthening al-Qaeda by attacking the Free Syrian Army, pointing out that the FSA is engaged in a fierce battle with Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Jarba called on the delegation of the Syrian government to commit to the full transition that would transfer power from Assad to an interim administration, adding that the Syrian opposition will not accept any talk of Assad staying in power.

He also urged the Syrian government delegation to immediately sign the 'Geneva 1' agreement, which stipulates the transfer of power from Assad.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius called for the immediate ceasefires in Syria, as well as the opening of humanitarian corridors.

Fabius said the Syrian government "bears heavy responsibility for the rise of terrorism in Syria."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the failure of the Geneva 1 talks was behind the increase in killings, adding that Syria's future is on the line and the Syrian government should be held accountable for this.

Arab League

Arab League chief Nabil ElAraby called for a transitional government in Syria that represents all sides.

ElAraby added that the fighting in Syria must cease, and those who are responsible for war crimes must be brought to justice.

Turkey's FM Ahmet Davutoglu

“The repercussions of the conflict in Syria are slipping over into the neighboring countries,” Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu described the condition of the Syrian refugees as shameful, stating that they are awaiting a political solution to the crisis.

Davutoglu added that “the Syrian regime is practicing terrorism and oppression against its people,” describing the violence in Syria as a "disgrace" on humanity.

Saudi Foreign Minister

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said there can be no role in Syria's transition for President Bashar al-Assad and those whose hands are "stained with blood".

Prince Saud called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Syria, including Hezbollah fighters and Iranian Revolutionary Guards who are backing Damascus against rebel forces.

Syria's Information Minister

Syria's Information Minister said that President Bashar al-Assad will not step down, as demanded by some of the international powers seeking to end the country's protracted conflict.

"Assad isn't going," Omaran Zoabi told journalists on the sidelines of the conference.

Pro-Assad demonstration

A pro-Assad demonstration was held outside the headquarters of the Geneva 2 conference.

Protesters held posters of President Bashar Assad and Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and flags of Hezbollah.

Fighting in Syria has killed more than 130,000 people and left millions of refugees, either in camps or squats in neighboring countries or within Syria's borders. The rebellion started in March 2011, and Syria has seen little but violence ever since.

REUTERS/AP/ LBCI

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