After the United Nations security council failed to adopt a resolution for peace in Syria, international talks led by the US and Russia were held in Swiss capital of Lausanne on Saturday to discuss the Syrian crisis. Abou Zaid said that Kerry put an emphasis on the importance of Shoukry’s presence owing to Egypt’s important role in reaching a political solution in Syria. Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar severely criticised Egypt’s vote in favour of the Russian resolution. The two nations have adopted different stances from the political turmoil in Syria; Russia is backing Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad while the US is backing the unarmed opposition. Since the turmoil in Syria started in 2011 Egypt has shown no particular stance and has not supported either side.

Source: Daily News Egypt October 15, 2016 16:52 UTC