George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I am surprised that the notion of senatorial courtesy evinces mockery from the opposition. I have obtained some information from the Foreign Minister's office so that I can respond to your question. As you know, it is vital that political negotiations between the Syrian regime and Syrian opposition resume on 9 March, as announced by envoy Staffan de Mistura yesterday. The two-day delay from the earlier proposed date—that is, 7 March—allows the cessation of hostilities take hold.

Australia's position has been to call on all sides to engage constructively in the negotiations process. Countries with influence in the Syrian conflict should bring pressure to bear on the parties they support to negotiate in good faith. It is important that a transnational governing body with full executive powers, as agreed by the international community in Geneva Communique and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, be established. That is the Australian government's position. That is the position we have advocated, and that is the position we have advocated to the parties.