Syrian opposition delegations trying unification at UN talks The United Nations solemnly calls on the Syrian rival sides to accept "historical responsibility" to end the conflict that has ravaged their country for six years, at the opening of difficult peace talks in Geneva. Staffan de Mistura, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, welcomed the "handshakes" between the various actors and stressed the importance of mediation and negotiation in order to discuss the " transitional governing body ", a key element of the talks. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES