U.N. Security Council approves peace plan for Syria

The United Nations Security Council on Friday approved a resolution that supports international efforts to seek a political solution in Syria.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the process is designed to end the nation’s civil war and provide a new government in Syria.

Russia and the United States both approved the resolution, even though it doesn’t address the major issue separating those two nations: What will happen to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad? Russia supports Assad but the United States wants him removed.

Still, the accord was hailed as a major step toward bringing peace to Syria, where a civil war has killed millions and sent thousands of refugees fleeing into other nations.

“It’s going to be uphill,” said U.N. Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura. “It will be complicated. But it will be possible.”

“This council is sending a clear message to all concerned,” Kerry said. “The time is now to stop the killing in Syria and to lay the groundwork for a government the people of that battered land can support.”

Besides recognizing the 17-nation International Syrian Support Group’s efforts in the peace process, the resolution provides a rough timeline for political change in Syria.

It calls for “credible, inclusive and nonsectarian governance” within six months and “free and fair elections, pursuant to the new constitution,” within 18 months.

The resolution, which passed 15-0, seeks a ceasefire in Syria. Kerry said that ceasefire would not include ISIS.

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