Envoy warns that Syria will become a failed state unless there is a political solution to war

UNITED NATIONS – The international envoy for Syria is warning that the Mideast nation will become a failed state unless there is a negotiated political solution to its 19-month conflict.

Lakhdar Brahimi, the joint U.N.-Arab League envoy, told the U.N. General Assembly on Friday that after speaking to the government and opposition and visiting Syria's neighbors he believes the only body that can put together a peace plan is the U.N. Security Council.

He urged the U.N.'s most powerful body to overcome its deep divisions and adopt a resolution aimed at ending the violence.

Brahimi said it must include provisions for a cease-fire, a political transition and elections and a "robust peacekeeping force."

A successful plan will also require a united opposition and support of regional countries, he said.