The recent development with regard to the events in Syria is important. It will define whether the country is heading towards an all-out war or a compromise involving all sides. It is essential that this latest event is seen as an opportunity to stop the bloodshed.
The United Nations Security Council recently approved of the peace-making efforts of former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan. Russia and China, which had previously taken a position supportive of the regime of Bashar Al Assad, have also agreed to the plan. Annan is now heading to Russia and China.
The Security Council in a statement called on both the Syrian government and opposition to work "in good faith" with Annan, who had a meeting with Al Assad in Damascus. Although it is non-binding, the plan is seen as the final resort that could help to avert an all-out civil war in the country. This unanimous agreement is of great importance as it is the first time that the Council has adopted such a unified stance. If anything, it is a reflection of the gravity of the situation and the Council's comprehension of it.
The plan presented by Annan has a series of steps which include a ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid and the launch of political dialogue between the regime and the opposition. These are all steps that are too important to be ignored and too urgent to be postponed any further. There is a dire need for a ceasefire as the bloodshed on all sides has been too costly, especially for the civilian population.
Yet in order to enable any progress, all the parties have to put aside their differences and disagreements and think of the costs involved if the status quo continues. Syria is in crisis and only putting people's interests above all will end it.
