Mgr Zenari welcomes the pontiff’s call for a "political solution" to the conflict. For the prelate, civilians want more than words; they want "concrete steps" towards a ceasefire. However, a miracle is now needed, like the one that led to the elimination of chemical weapons. As Gulf States put pressure for a ground operation, Syrian government forces push north.

Damascus (AsiaNews) – Yesterday, at the end of the Angelus, Pope Francis said that a "political solution" was needed to end the war in Syria. In his address, the pontiff also called for "the necessary aid" for the civilian population "to ensure their survival and dignity."

For Mgr Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio in Damascus, the pontiff’s message deserves praise. “It is to be admired, commended, because it shows his concern and love for the Syrian people, and the suffering of ordinary people.”

Noting the "columns of fleeing people," the prelate explained that "These are things that touch the heart and the pope was right to call on the faithful to show solidarity for the people who suffer, namely the civilians.”

For the nuncio, "we must find a solution, resume negotiations" even if the proximity talks that started last week suffered an abrupt end after only two days.

As the UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura noted, "the Syrian people need to see that talks are underway, but they also need to see that some real step is being taken, not just words. They especially need some improvement on the ground.” Peace talks have floundered however, and the situation on the ground is getting worse.

“We are at a critical point, and the conflict is evolving,” Mgr Zenari said. “The only positive step in recent years involves chemical weapons. Dismantling them was a great achievement, a miracle in my view. Imagine what would have happened if those weapons had remained in the country."

That deal, said the prelate, "shows that if there is good will, unity, and convergence of interest between countries that can influence the situation, we can achieve such results. However, sincerity and good will are also needed."

The war in Syria, which broke out in March 2011 as popular unrest against President Bashar al-Assad, morphed into open warfare involving Islamic extremist and jihadist groups that has caused so far more than 260,000 deaths.

Over this period, one of the worst humanitarian crisis in history has unfolded, with 4.6 million Syrians forced abroad, primarily in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.

Hundreds of thousands more have tried to reach Europe, sometimes losing their life paying the ultimate price for daring to cross the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean.

And now, in spite of appeals and attempts to find a diplomatic solution, the winds of war appear to be picking up again across the country and around the region.

Russia, a key Assad ally, accused Turkey – a staunch backer of the opposition alongside Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- of preparing for "an armed invasion" of Syria. Ankara dismissed the claim, but tensions between the various powers remain high and are not conducive to a ceasefire.

If it takes off, an international campaign against the Islamic State group in Syria is expected to include a US-led ground intervention, said Sunday the United Arab Emirates' State Minister for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash.

"We are not talking about thousands of troops but we are talking about troops on the ground that will lead the way," he said. "And of course, an American leadership in this effort is a prerequisite."

Saudi Arabia on Thursday said it was ready to join any ground operation by a US-led coalition against IS in Syria. The Saudi proposal was welcomed by the United States but ridiculed by the Assad regime and its key ally, Iran.

For their part, Syrian government troops advanced Sunday toward Tal Rifaat, a rebel town near the Turkish border, as they pressed a Russian-backed offensive that has prompted tens of thousands to flee.

The town is around 20 kilometres from the Turkish frontier, where Syrians who have fled fighting near Aleppo city have been gathering since the assault was launched Monday, and is one of the last rebel strongholds in northern Aleppo province. If government forces seized it, it would be a major turning point.

On the Turkish side of the border, local aid workers have been setting up tents and distributing supplies for thousands of new Syrian refugees kept from entering Turkey at the border.

Some 35,000 people fled the Syrian government offensive in the Aleppo area last week, trying to enter Turkey's Kilis border region. (DS)

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