Compromise possible in Syria

On Sunday Syria held a referendum on a new constitution that proposes a multi-party parliamentary election within three months and a presidential limit of two seven-year terms. However, several opposition groups refused to participate in the referendum.

Despite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad calling the referendum a reform initiative, the West does not believe he is genuinely willing to introduce reforms. Just hours after the referendum was announced, White House spokesman Jay Carney described it as "quite laughable" and said it "makes a mockery of the Syrian revolution".

"The referendum in Syria is nothing more than a farce. Sham votes cannot be a contribution to a resolution of the crisis. Assad must finally end the violence and clear the way for a political transition," said German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.