But Russia and the United States have now agreed on the need for an international peace conference by the end of the month.

BBC: News - Philippines eyes Golan peacekeeper pull-out after abductions

Mr Brahimi has been trying to find a solution to the crisis based on a peace plan approved at an international conference in June 2012.

BBC: Syria crisis: Brahimi warns horror is 'unprecedented'

Mr Brahimi is trying to seek a way out of the crisis on the basis of a peace plan approved at an international conference in June, but which left President Assad's role unclear.

BBC: Syria faces 'hell' if no deal to end crisis - UN envoy

Now the government says it is basically a political conference to demonstrate international solidarity with the peace process.

BBC: G L Peiris, left, and Anton Balasingham

Boosted his international profile by heading the Non-Aligned Movement, chairing a conference on Cambodian peace and hosting an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

CNN: Suharto