UN-backed ceasefire collapses as fighting continues in Damascus; Syrian Army blames ceasefire collapse on rebels
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    • According to reports, fighting between the Syrian military and opposition fighters continued over the Eid al-Adha holiday weekend, flouting the four-day ceasefire that was brokered by UN-Arab League peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. The truce was violated almost immediately after it was supposed to take effect on Friday, October 26. The failure of the truce is possibly a reflection of the inability of the international community to resolve the 19-month old conflict, and could also be an indication that the conflict will continue, affecting stability of Syria’s neighbours – mainly Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey. 1

    Meanwhile, according to reports, the Syrian Army blamed the collapse of the ceasefire on “violations” by the rebels. However, opposition fighters have claimed that they have only reacted to attacks by Syrian government forces. Reports suggest that Brahimi is set to approach the UN Security Council in November with fresh proposals for talks between the Syrian government and the opposition. UN diplomats are also scheduled to visit Russia and China in the coming week. 2

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