Some 150 delegates representing Syria’s government, opposition and various civil society groups convened in Geneva today to draft a new constitution for their country after more than eight years of devastating civil conflict. The UN, which is overseeing the talks at the Palais de Nations, insists that they will be “Syrian owned and Syrian led,” yet it's an open secret that Russia, Iran and Turkey hold most of the cards.

UN Syria envoy Geir Pedersen in his opening remarks stressed that the talks needed to uphold the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a political transition process that would establish “credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance” together with a new constitution and free and fair elections. The resolution was adopted nearly five years ago, and there has been virtually no progress recorded in achieving any of its goals. 

Pedersen acknowledged the difficulties today. “I know that it's not easy for you all to be here together in this room. The fact that you are here today sitting together face to face, ready to start a dialogue and negotiations, is I believe a powerful sign for Syrians everywhere."

Syrian government co-chair Ahmad Kuzbari used his time to praise the heroism of the Syrian army and said its “battle to protect the state” had been legitimate.