Diplomats Meet in Vienna to Seek Common Ground on Syria

US Secretary of State John Kerry was joined by Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and their counterparts from a host of other countries to address the conflict, which focused on the future of the Syria.

The gap appeared to be narrowing between two key blocs—Assad allies Russia and Iran and the US, Saudi Arabia and Western allies who support militants in Syria, while there were also talks of a lack of breakthrough.

In recent days, Washington has shifted its stance on an immediate departure of Mr. Assad. In addiotion, Hopes have risen that Iran's participation—which hasn't been invited to previous talks— could help a compromise emerge, The Wall Street Journal reported.   

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on the eve of the meeting that he wasn't entering the talks bound by any preconditions.

Russia meanwhile expressed dismay at the fact that no Syrian representatives were invited—neither from the government nor from the opposition groups. Previous international diplomatic attempts to bring the Syrian sides around one table have failed, however.

On Friday morning, Mr. Kerry, who held a series of meetings the day before in preparation of the main session, struck a cautious note.

"I am hopeful that we can find a way forward. But it is very difficult,” Mr. Kerry told reporters on his way into the meeting.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini played down expectations for a breakthrough, but said that just having all sides around one table was “a very relevant step” which could lead to further meetings and ultimately, to a political solution.

Also at the meeting were top diplomats from Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman. Chinese deputy foreign minister Li Baodong was also present, as well as the United Nations’ special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura.