Peace*

Just one day before taking effect, a proposed peace plan to end violence in Syria is in jeopardy after the Syrian government made new demands.

Last week, officials said the Syrian government had agreed to an April 10 deadline to withdraw troops.

But on Sunday, the regime claimed that is a “wrong interpretation”, stating it would withdraw troops only after receiving written guarantees that the rebels stop fighting.

The rebels, on their part, said they do not recognise the regime’s authority and will not lay down arms until the regime does so first.

Since the peace plan was tabled, the violence has intensified – pushing the death toll over 11,000.

Sadly, as long as neither side moves to end the stalemate, the real loser in this conflict is the people of Syria.