Work begins on drafting charter

Syria’s government and opposition in the war-torn country have agreed to start drafting constitutional reforms, the UN Syria envoy announced Sunday, a major step after a nine-month hiatus of talks and several fruitless rounds. UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen didn’t say what was behind the agreement or offer details. The drafting sessions formally begin Monday. Pedersen met Sunday with the co-chairs of a committee which includes figures from fourth-term President Bashar Assad’s government, as well as exiles and civil society representatives.