UN chief commends progress in Geneva II talks on Syria

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Thursday hailed the progress made by the negotiating teams of the Syrian government and opposition in the ongoing Geneva II Conference. In a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier here, he urged both sides to do their utmost to reach a deal that could put an end to the suffering of the Syrian people. Ban said the situation on the ground in Syria is very difficult and requires all parties to work as fast as possible to adopt specific measures that could bring the country out of the three-year crisis. The Secretary-General arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit to Germany during which he will hold talks with Federal President Dr. Joachim Gauck and Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. While in Berlin, the Secretary-General will to attend the inaugural meeting of his Scientific Advisory Board, which he set up last year. The Board, which comprises 26 eminent scientists, aims to ensure that rigorous science is reflected in high-level policy discussions within the UN system. He will travel to Bonn tomorrow, January 31, to meet with UN staff members as well as local authorities In Munich, the last leg of his trip, he will attend the 50th Munich Security Conference. He will hold talks in the margins of the Conference with a number of officials in attendance.