The United Nations Security Council reached agreement Friday on a plan that aims to end civil war in Syria.
The council unanimously approved a resolution that calls for a ceasefire, negotiations between the government and rebels starting in January, and a two-year timetable to create a unity government and hold elections.
The resolution showed unity among the Council members on a political strategy to end the Syrian conflict, in particular between the United States and Russia.
“This council is sending a clear message to all concerned that the time is now to stop the killing in Syria and lay the groundwork for a government that the long-suffering people of that battered land can support,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told the 15-nation council after the vote.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov added: “This is a clear response to attempts to impose a solution from the outside on Syrians on any issues, including those regarding its president.”
The war in Syria began in March 2011, killing more than 250,000 people and forcing millions to flee the war-torn country. European Union has felt the effects, accepting thousands of refugees into the bloc each day.
The remaining differences among the Council members concern the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which the resolution does not address.
Russia has rejected the possibility of Assad’s ousting to be a prerequisite for the start of talks between the forces in combat. Although the resolution states that elections should take place within the next 18 months, it does not give any clue about a possible candidacy or withdrawal from the Syrian president.
“We are under no illusions about the obstacles that exist,” Kerry said. “There obviously remain sharp differences within the international community, especially about the future of President Assad.”
French foreign minister Laurent Fabius said the negotiations would succeed only with credible guarantees on Assad’s departure.
“How could this man unite a people that he has in part massacred?” Fabius said. “The idea that he could once again stand for elections is unacceptable to us.”