PEACE ACCORD
What’s the resolution?
The resolution calls for the UN to present the council with options for monitoring a ceasefire within one month
Talks between Syria’s government and opposition should begin in early January, the resolution said, though John Kerry said mid-to-late January was more likely
It also endorsed the continued battle to defeat Islamic State militants who have seized large swaths of both Syria and neighbouring Iraq
Differences
Despite their agreement, the major powers are divided on who may represent the opposition as well as on the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
Kerry made clear that there were differences on the future of Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran who Western countries want ousted, as well as on the question of which Syrian opposition groups will have a seat at the table in talks with the government.
What Assad govt says?
Syrian ambassador to the UN Bashar Ja’afari said Assad’s government was prepared to take part in the talks in good faith.
Who participated?
Foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Sergey Lavrov of Russia, Kerry and other European and Middle Eastern ministers, as well as diplomats from regional rivals Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran, were in New York.