UN backs Syria peace plan amid continued regime attacks

The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a statement backing intensive preparatory talks on key issues to restore peace to Syria, as many have been killed in fresh government air strikes on Damascus. 

The development might be a sign of a change in the UN's most powerful body as it has been deeply divided over how to end the war which has killed more than 250,000 people. 

The 15-member Council only adopts statements by consensus. 

The text was drafted by the five permanent members, the US, Russia, China, Britain and France, following a briefing by UN mediator, Staffan de Mistura nearly three weeks ago. 

De Mistura proposed inviting Syria's warring parties to take part in four UN-led working groups on how to implement a road-map to peace, since the groups were not ready to hold formal peace talks.

BBC