The confusion surrounding yesterday’s meeting in London between Syrian opposition leaders and UK, United States and Arab foreign ministers is covered widely this morning. The Independent online and Independent i both report that the Syrian opposition representatives appeared not to set President Assad’s removal as a pre-condition to attending a proposed Geneva II peace conference next month, but at the same time insisted that this must be the eventual goal. The Telegraph online reports that the Western-backed Syrian National Coalition was not able to guarantee its attendance in Geneva. Meanwhile, the Guardian online says that the UK, United States and Arab governments in attendance insisted that Assad would play no role in a potential Syrian transitional government. Writing in the Telegraph though, Con Coughlin argues that in reality Assad is in a position of relative strength and must be accommodated to a degree if a resolution to the Syrian conflict is to be found.

A backdrop to yesterday’s talks on Syria is an apparent rift between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The Guardian, Financial Times and the Independent online report that the disagreement stems from Saudi dissatisfaction over US engagement in the region, particularly the decision not to strike Syria over its chemical arsenal and perceived accommodation of Israel and Iran. The Telegraph says a senior Saudi official announced that his country would be “scaling back” its cooperation with the CIA over Syria. Meanwhile, the Times suggests that there is internal discord in Riyadh over how to handle relations with the United States.       

The Times reports that hard-line parliamentarians in Iran are targeting the country’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif for what they believe is his over-willingness to make concessions to the West, in the wake of last week’s nuclear talks in Geneva. The MPs have tabled awkward questions for Zarif in Iran’s parliament and alleged that his views contradict those of Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Independent includes a feature on yesterday’s municipal election in Jerusalem, focusing on the traditional refusal of East Jerusalem Palestinians to vote, in the belief that it would legitimise Israeli rule. The article notes that Mayor Nir Barkat has emphasised improvements which he has made to services in East Jerusalem during his term in office. The feature also outlines the mayoral race between Barkat and challenger Moshe Leon, who was closely backed by Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman.

In this morning’s Israeli media, yesterday’s municipal elections are the main item, with a particular focus on the low voter turnout. Yediot Ahronot’s headline calls yesterday’s vote “apathetic” while Maariv’s headline is “Approximately half of Israelis do not show up to vote.” The municipal elections are also the top story in Haaretz and Makor Rishon while Israel Hayom declares “Barkat takes Jerusalem,” covering the initial confirmation of incumbent Mayor Nir Barkat’s victory in the capital. Israel Radio news this morning confirms Barkat’s win and the victory of Mayor Ron Huldai who was returned to office in Tel Aviv. Reflecting on the low voter participation, Israel Radio news says that Interior Minister Gideon Saar will consider recommending that municipal election day become a national holiday.

Makor Rishon reports that a man wanted for planning a bombing in Tel Aviv was killed following a shootout with the IDF in the West Bank yesterday. Soldiers were attempting to arrest the man, who was believed responsible for a bomb which him exploded on a bus on the final day of Operation Pillar of Defence last November. However, Maariv reports comments by Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon stating that despite a spike in terror incidents in the West Bank, he does not believe that there is a danger of a new intifada.

Haaretz previews today’s meeting in Rome between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State John Kerry, saying that Kerry will press Netanyahu on the compromises he is willing to make in order to achieve a final status peace accord. Makor Rishon writes that Netanyahu will emphasise the global danger posed by Iranian nuclear energy.