International meeting convenes in London to discuss Syria's future

Amer Sultan in London, Wednesday 9 Jan 2013

'Experts and planners' from regional and international powers will share their visions for post-Assad Syria in two-day conference held in British capital

A number of "experts" from the UK, the US, several Arab countries and international and regional organisations are meeting in London Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the future of Syria.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that the meeting "aims to galvanise planning for political transition in Syria."

One UK source told Ahram Online that the event "will look into a number of ideas from different countries on the shape of Syria after the departure of the Assad regime."

Hague has previously declared via Twitter that "Assad's departure from power is inevitable."

He has called on the international community to plan for the "day after" Assad's exit, describing such planning as "vital."

A UK Foreign Office spokeswoman told Ahram Online that the London meeting would include "experts and planners from international and regional powers who will exchange ideas on the future of Syria."

She added that the UK considered the meeting "a very important event to put forward a detailed vision and proposals for different issues affecting Syria."

Ahram Online has learned that David Quarrey, the Foreign Office's director for the Middle East and North Africa, is likely to head up the UK government's delegation to the meeting.