A first concrete step towards implementing the Vienna road map for a political solution in Syria has now been taken. The fact that agreement was successfully reached on a secretariat to select a negotiating delegation, as well as on a joint declaration unambiguously supporting a transitional political process, is more than we dared expect – especially given the large number of groupings involved and their widely diverging political opinions and objectives. The meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere thanks to the judicious chairmanship of the Saudi hosts.

We still have a long way to go. But solid groundwork has been laid for the next steps. It is our joint task to ensure that the faint glimmer of hope from the first two Vienna meetings on Syria will burn stronger and bring light to the people in Syria.