The Elders welcome Syria breakthrough and encourage rapid follow-up through the Geneva II talks
“This agreement is an important breakthrough” said Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
16 September 2013
The Elders warmly welcome the recent agreement on chemical weapons reached between Russia and the United States in Geneva, which could open up the prospect for a peaceful path out of the Syrian crisis.
“This agreement is an important breakthrough” said Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. “There are still difficulties to overcome to ensure that the chemical weapons in Syria are safely, quickly and permanently decommissioned.”
“This agreement renews hope that diplomacy can still work. The Security Council must now urgently forge a consensus to build on this momentum and ensure that the Geneva II conference is convened soon in order to secure a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Syrian conflict.”
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About The Elders
The Elders are independent leaders using their collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.
The Elders are Martti Ahtisaari, Kofi Annan (Chair), Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland (Deputy Chair), Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani, Graça Machel, Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo.
Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are honorary Elders.
Sylvain Biville, Media Manager, The Elders: media@theElders.org / T +44 7547 736 371
Elliott Fox, Media Officer, The Elders: media@theElders.org / T +44 7795 693 903
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