叙利亚停火前景渺茫 避免冲突扩大化成为关注焦点

 　　Top diplomats¹ from the United States, Russia, and the Middle East will attempt to salvage² a failed Syria cease-fire agreement this weekend.

　　来自美国、俄罗斯和中东的高层外交官本周末将努力挽救遭受挫败的叙利亚停火协议。

　　The renewed efforts come less than two weeks after the United States suspended bilateral³ negotiations⁴ with Russia and the two sides exchanged mutual⁵ recriminations. Russian officials say they are hopeful for positive results.

　　一个多星期前，美国暂停与俄罗斯的双边谈判，双方你来我往，相互指责。俄罗斯官员说，他们希望这次努力能达到正面效果。

　　But as fighting continues in the besieged⁶ city of Aleppo, analysts⁷ are skeptical⁸ of any lasting⁹ cease-fire.

　　然而，随着被困城市阿勒颇战斗的继续，分析人士对能否达成持久停火表示怀疑。

　　Many believe Russia wants to first help Assad take Aleppo so they can have a stronger negotiating position.

　　很多人认为俄罗斯希望首先帮助阿萨德夺取阿勒颇，来增强他们的谈判实力。

　　While a cease-fire would be welcomed, analysts say the bigger concern is preventing a wider conflict developing in Syria.

　　分析人士说，能达成停火固然是好事，但目前的关注焦点是要避免叙利亚冲动的扩大化。

　　A White House spokesman ruled out the possibility of any U.S. military cooperation with Russia in Syria. U.S. officials say it is now clear their goals in Syria are no longer compatible with Russia’s, a view echoed by some analysts.

　　一位白宫发言人排除了美国与俄罗斯在叙利亚问题上军事合作的可能性。美国官员说，目前很清楚，美国与俄罗斯在叙利亚的目标并不一致，很多分析人士也持同样观点。

　　Russia has increased its military presence in Syria and announced plans to maintain bases there indefinitely.

　　俄罗斯增加了在叙利亚的军力，并宣布，计划无限期在叙利亚部署基地。

1 diplomats   

n.外交官( diplomat的名词复数 )；有手腕的人，善于交际的人

参考例句：

• These events led to the expulsion of senior diplomats from the country. 这些事件导致一些高级外交官被驱逐出境。
• The court has no jurisdiction over foreign diplomats living in this country. 法院对驻本国的外交官无裁判权。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 salvage   

v.救助，营救，援救；n.救助，营救

参考例句：

• All attempts to salvage the wrecked ship failed.抢救失事船只的一切努力都失败了。
• The salvage was piled upon the pier.抢救出的财产被堆放在码头上。

3 bilateral   

adj.双方的，两边的，两侧的

参考例句：

• They have been negotiating a bilateral trade deal.他们一直在商谈一项双边贸易协定。
• There was a wide gap between the views of the two statesmen on the bilateral cooperation.对双方合作的问题，两位政治家各自所持的看法差距甚大。

4 negotiations   

协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过

参考例句：

• negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
• Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。

5 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

6 besieged   

包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• Paris was besieged for four months and forced to surrender. 巴黎被围困了四个月后被迫投降。
• The community besieged the newspaper with letters about its recent editorial. 公众纷纷来信对报社新近发表的社论提出诘问，弄得报社应接不暇。

7 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

8 skeptical   

adj.怀疑的，多疑的

参考例句：

• Others here are more skeptical about the chances for justice being done.这里的其他人更为怀疑正义能否得到伸张。
• Her look was skeptical and resigned.她的表情是将信将疑而又无可奈何。

9 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。