Annan: Talks with Assad constructive

Approach to end violence will be shared with opposition parties

The visiting international envoy Kofi Annan said on Monday he has completed a new approach with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to end the country's violence, adding that the approach will be shared with the opposition.

Annan, who flew in on Sunday afternoon, met with Assad on Monday. The former UN secretary-general said he regarded his discussions with Assad as "constructive".