He US, Europe and Arab countries plan to challenge President Bashar al-Assad to provide humanitarian access within days to the worst-affected areas.
But Russia and China, key allies of Syria which have blocked UN resolutions again Damascus, are not attending the "Friends of Syria" conference.
Activists say more than 90 people died across Syria on Thursday.
The conference will agree a declaration on Syria, expected to demand an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assessment, with the threat of further sanctions if ignored.
The declaration may also boost the standing of the main opposition umbrella group the Syrian National Council, by naming it as a "legitimate" representative of Syrians, but stopping short of giving it full endorsement.
The BBC's Jim Muir in Beirut says the conference is unlikely to persuade Damascus to change its stance towards the uprising but will increase the pressure on it.
Russia and China - considered crucial allies of Damascus - are not taking part.
Both countries have faced Western and Arab criticism for blocking a UN Security Council resolution that would have backed an Arab League peace plan for Syria.
They have said they want to see an end to the violence but oppose any international action which amounts to forced regime change.BBC News
But Russia and China, key allies of Syria which have blocked UN resolutions again Damascus, are not attending the "Friends of Syria" conference.
Activists say more than 90 people died across Syria on Thursday.
The conference will agree a declaration on Syria, expected to demand an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assessment, with the threat of further sanctions if ignored.
The declaration may also boost the standing of the main opposition umbrella group the Syrian National Council, by naming it as a "legitimate" representative of Syrians, but stopping short of giving it full endorsement.
The BBC's Jim Muir in Beirut says the conference is unlikely to persuade Damascus to change its stance towards the uprising but will increase the pressure on it.
Russia and China - considered crucial allies of Damascus - are not taking part.
Both countries have faced Western and Arab criticism for blocking a UN Security Council resolution that would have backed an Arab League peace plan for Syria.
They have said they want to see an end to the violence but oppose any international action which amounts to forced regime change.BBC News
No comments:
Post a Comment