UN Secretary-General says fight against extremists in Syria needs 'political solution'
Antonio Guterres is in Istanbul for meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Secretary-General of the United Nations has said the fight against extremists in Syria needs a political solution.
Antonio Guterres also said any solution in the battle against terrorists in the region will need the support of the Syrian people.
The comments were made in Istanbul, where Mr Guterres is having meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his office said in a statement.
Mr Guterres said he was “grateful” that a peace conference for Syria was held in support of negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition.
The conference was endorsed by Turkey, Iran and Russia and took place in Kazakhstan.
A Syrian opposition official said both rebels and political groups were preparing to appoint a 20-member delegation to United Nations-brokered talks with the government planned for later in February in Geneva.
Mr Guterres is currently touring Turkey, five Middle East countries and Germany on his first major trip since taking the helm of the United Nations.
The former Prime Minister of Portugal took over from Ban Ki-moon and has pledged to make 2017 a year for peace.
Agencies contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments