ISTANBUL — The Syrian government announced on Friday that it would participate in next round of Geneva peace talks aimed at ending the country’s civil war, as civilians trapped in a rebel-controlled part of Homs, one of the conflict’s urban epicenters, began trickling out under a deal negotiated by the United Nations. Syria’s official SANA news agency said at least 58 people, mostly women, children and the elderly, had departed the besieged Old City neighborhood of Homs by midafternoon. Syrian state television broadcast images of frail civilians escorted onto a bus by members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Vehicles from the United Nations refugee agency and World Food Program could also be seen. Later the United Nations said at least 83 people had been evacuated and “delivered to places of their choice” by United Nations and Red Crescent staff members. - Syria Says It Will Stay in Peace Talks as Homs Evacuation Begins - NYTimes.com

Syria Says It Will Stay in Peace Talks as Homs Evacuation Begins - NYTimes.com: "The Homs governor, Talal al-Barazi, was quoted by SANA as saying that he expected 200 civilians to be evacuated by day’s end and that he had reached an agreement with the United Nations to allow aid deliveries inside the besieged area to those who chose to remain."



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Chinese President, UN Chief Vow to Promote World Peace, Development - As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will perform its due international duties, vigorously participate in the works of the UN, promote peaceful settlement of international disputes, so as to provide more Chinese wisdom and strength in safeguarding world peace and security and in promoting mankind's common development, he added. For his part, Ban said the UN highly values China's leading role in dealing with various global challenges, adding that among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China dispatches the largest number of peacekeepers. China has sent navy vessels to escort the shipments of Syrian chemical weapons, actively promoted peaceful solutions of the issues of Syria and South Sudan -- all of which demonstrate that China has made important contributions to safeguarding world peace and security, said Ban. Meanwhile, Xi briefed his views on the current situation in Northeast Asia, stressing that China is willing to make joint efforts with relevant countries for regional peace and stability. A correct view of history must be built and the post-World War II international order be consolidated in a bid to realize the good neighborly and friendly relations in the region, said the Chinese leader. The year 2015 will witness the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN, as well as the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the victory of Chinese people's Anti-Japanese War. Xi wished that the UN will promote international efforts to hold activities to commemorate the anniversaries. Ban expressed the hope that Northeast Asia can maintain stability and prosperity, saying the UN is willing to work together with different countries to jointly bring forward the world's peace and development cause. The two sides also exchanged views on the Syrian crisis and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as climate change. Xi expounded China's stands on those issues.

CLICK LINK TO READ ARTICLE: Chinese President, UN Chief Vow to Promote World Peace, Development: "Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Sochi, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games."



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Chinese President, UN Chief Vow to Promote World Peace, Development - As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will perform its due international duties, vigorously participate in the works of the UN, promote peaceful settlement of international disputes, so as to provide more Chinese wisdom and strength in safeguarding world peace and security and in promoting mankind's common development, he added. For his part, Ban said the UN highly values China's leading role in dealing with various global challenges, adding that among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China dispatches the largest number of peacekeepers. China has sent navy vessels to escort the shipments of Syrian chemical weapons, actively promoted peaceful solutions of the issues of Syria and South Sudan -- all of which demonstrate that China has made important contributions to safeguarding world peace and security, said Ban. Meanwhile, Xi briefed his views on the current situation in Northeast Asia, stressing that China is willing to make joint efforts with relevant countries for regional peace and stability. A correct view of history must be built and the post-World War II international order be consolidated in a bid to realize the good neighborly and friendly relations in the region, said the Chinese leader. The year 2015 will witness the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN, as well as the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the victory of Chinese people's Anti-Japanese War. Xi wished that the UN will promote international efforts to hold activities to commemorate the anniversaries. Ban expressed the hope that Northeast Asia can maintain stability and prosperity, saying the UN is willing to work together with different countries to jointly bring forward the world's peace and development cause. The two sides also exchanged views on the Syrian crisis and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as climate change. Xi expounded China's stands on those issues.

CLICK LINK TO READ ARTICLE: Chinese President, UN Chief Vow to Promote World Peace, Development: "Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Sochi, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games."



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