This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35138011

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Syria crisis: Powers 'agree Syria peace process resolution' Syria war: UN Security Council unanimously backs peace plan
(about 1 hour later)
The five permanent UN Security Council members have agreed the text of a draft UN resolution for the Syrian peace process, diplomats say. The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution outlining a peace process in Syria.
The 15-member council is expected to adopt the resolution later on Friday, officials added. The 15-member council reached rare agreement on the issue in a session in New York on Friday.
World powers have been meeting in New York to try to advance a tentative plan to bring about a ceasefire in Syria. The resolution endorses talks between the Syrian government and opposition in early January, as well as a ceasefire.
The Syrian war, which is heading towards its fifth year, has killed more than 250,000 people. The Syrian war, which is heading towards its fifth year, has killed more than 250,000 people and displaced millions more, the UN says.
Nearly 12 million people have also been displaced, the UN says. US Secretary of State John Kerry, chairing the session, said the resolution sent "a clear message to all concerned that the time is now to stop the killing in Syria".
The draft text asks the UN to bring together the Syrian government and the opposition for talks by early January. "The resolution we just reached is a milestone, because it sets specific goals and specific timeframes," he added.
It also said that a ceasefire should be implemented in parallel with the talks. The resolution calls for a ceasefire that should be implemented in parallel with the talks.
However, actions against groups considered terrorist organisations would not be affected. This would allow Russian, French and US air-strikes against Islamic State to continue.However, actions against groups considered terrorist organisations would not be affected. This would allow Russian, French and US air-strikes against Islamic State to continue.
However, one of the major sticking points so far has been which rebel groups should be considered terrorist outfits and consequently excluded from any talks or ceasefire. One of the major sticking points so far has been which rebel groups should be considered terrorist outfits and consequently excluded from any talks or ceasefire.
A formal Security Council vote on the agreement is expected to take place at 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT). The agreement demands that all parties cease attacks against civilians.
The resolution also makes no mention of the future rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Russia, an ally of Assad, has argued against his departure being a precondition for talks.