Peace talks stalled

BEIRUT (AP):

An international push to end Syria's conflict stalled yesterday as United Nations envoy Kofi Annan left Damascus without a ceasefire and President Bashar Assad's forces pounded opposition areas and clashed with rebels throughout the country.

Western and Arab powers are struggling for ways to stem the bloodshed in the year-old conflict while both the regime and the opposition reject dialogue.

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan appeared to make little progress during two visits with Assad during his first trip to Syria as the joint UN-Arab League envoy.

Annan was seeking an immediate ceasefire to allow for humanitarian aid and the start of a dialogue between all parties on a political solution. After meeting with Assad yesterday, Annan said he had presented steps to ease the crisis, but gave no details.

"Once it's agreed, it will help launch the process and help end the crisis on the ground," he told reporters.

He called for "reforms that will create a strong foundation for a democratic Syria - a peaceful, stable, pluralistic and prosperous society, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights." But Annan said a ceasefire must come first.

"You have to start by stopping the killing and the misery and the abuse that is going on today and then give time for a political settlement."

Assad told Annan on Sunday that a political solution is impossible as long as "terrorist groups" threaten the country, according to Syria's state news service - which reported identical comments after the men met Saturday.

The regime blames the uprising on armed groups acting out a foreign conspiracy.

Annan's calls for reform also fall far short of opposition calls for Assad's ouster and the end of his authoritarian regime. Opposition leaders say the thousands killed at the hands of his security forces, many while protesting peacefully, mean they will accept nothing less.