The Syrian Government and Opposition on Monday began discussing the formation of a transitional government, in what moderators predict will be the most difficult stage of the first talks to end the three—year conflict. The two sides are expected to negotiate a legal framework for the authority, to be comprised …

The Syrian government came under pressure on Jan. 27 to allow aid trucks into the besieged rebel city of Homs as negotiators sought to keep peace talks on track by focusing on humanitarian gestures. 

Ukraine’s Justice Minister Olena Lukash on Jan. 27 warned she could call for a state of emergency after radical protesters seized her ministry in the centre of Kiev. Lukash, who is a participant in negotiations between the opposition and President Viktor Yanukovych