Britain calls for greater role of women in Geneva II process

British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Monday called for greater role of Syrian women in ending the country's conflicts and facilitating the Geneva II negotiations. "We have put forward proposals to ensure that both sides include women in their delegations," Hague said in an oral statement to the British Parliament, urging the United Nations to give a clear role for women's groups and civil society in the form of a consultative body present at the upcoming Geneva negotiations. Hague said Britain will provide 200,000 pounds (about 327,220 U.S. dollars) in funding to enable Syrian women's groups to take part in Geneva II negotiations to be held on Jan. 22 this year. In the statement, Hague also acknowledged the role of international collaboration in destroying Syria's chemical weapons. "The disposal of Syria's chemical stockpile is a strong example of international cooperation,"he said, noting that "Italy, the United States, Russia, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Finland and China are all making important contributions." Hague also highlighted the "pressing need" for measures that can build confidence ahead of the opening of the Geneva negotiations, including prisoner exchanges, the opening of aid corridors and ceasefire zones. The Foreign Secretary said the start of the Geneva II peace conference on Jan. 22 is an important step, while stressing that Britain has no "illusions" about how difficult and challenging the process will be.