Brahimi Insists on Political Solution in Syria

U.N.-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi insisted Wednesday that only a political solution will help end the "suffocating and dangerous" conflict in Syria, in talks with Jordan's foreign minister.

"The Syrian crisis is suffocating and dangerous. It threatens Syria and the entire region. It is the most dangerous to stability and security" Brahimi said during the meeting with Nasser Judeh, the foreign ministry said.

"There is almost consensus that there is no military solution to the crisis and that a political solution is the only way to end the nightmare in Syria."

Brahimi, in Jordan on a regional tour, said he seeks "greater cooperation with countries in the region to find political solution in Syria," the statement said.

His remarks came as prospects for a Syria peace conference in Geneva next month looked dim after key opposition leaders spurned efforts by Western and Arab powers to persuade them to attend.

Brahimi was also to meet King Abdullah II, whose country is home to more than 500,000 Syrian refugees.