Mistakes on all sides shouldn't stop world leaders from pushing ahead to find a solution to the conflict in Syria.
Prime Minister John Key has been chairing a meeting of the UN Security Council today, and told gathered leaders no one can benefit from the continuation of the conflict.
He told world leaders they've failed to put peace, and the lives of innocent people, ahead of self-interest and pointless politics.
Mr Key told Mike Hosking the situation is complicated, and while the relationship between Russia and United States is "not in great shape", but that doesn't mean a functional ceasefire is out of the question.
"They have completely different reasons for wanting to find a solution for Syria, but they have the same objective of wanting to find a solution. So they get there from different pathways."
The Prime Minister said as long as the veto function exists for the five permanent members of the UN, it will be an uphill battle to get things done.
He said today's meeting was a chance to refocus the Security Council, but there are always challenges, given it's such a complicated situation with many vested interests.
"Part of the use of the veto, so the reason the Security Council can't do more is because the veto would get exercised, either by Russia or the United States, but in this particular case by Russia."
Mr Key said there are ongoing discussions between the US and Russia going on behind the scenes.
He said a meeting of the International Syria Support Group is also being held on Friday.
LISTEN ABOVE: Prime Minister John Key speaks with Mike Hosking
It is critical that we rewrite the narrative of failure and help set #Syria on a path to peace. - @johnkeypm to #UNSC. #NZprez #UNGA pic.twitter.com/8N1VPtmcNZ
— NZ Mission to the UN (@NZUN) September 21, 2016
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