White House committed to Asad's departure

As the Syrian government and opposition prepare for talks in Geneva January 22, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Monday that the US is committed to Asad’s departure from power. “The President does still believe that, and, more importantly, the Syrian people believe that. That is the goal of these talks that are scheduled for Geneva in January,” said Earnest while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One of the need for Asad to go. He added, “There should be an opportunity here for a political transition.  It's our view that that's the only way that we can resolve this conflict.  And we're hopeful that by bringing both sides to the table, we can get started on that process.” Earnest said that the US will work with the United Nations to determine which countries will be invited to the talks, “and what the agenda will be to advance the Geneva Communiqué framework for political transition.” “We are eager to get to work on what will prove to be a very difficult process of enacting a political transition in Syria so that the Syrian government can actually reflect the will of the people.  We're also hopeful that we'll have a government there that will do more to respect basic human rights, that will respect the basic rights of minority populations in that country,” he said. Still, the Deputy Press Secretary added that much work remains ahead for all parties involved as Geneva II draws nearer.