‘Syria talks must focus on fighting terrorism’

The Syrian government delegation to peace talks in Geneva says the negotiations must initially focus on fighting terrorism before any other issue.

The second round of negotiations known as the Geneva II conference opened in the Swiss city on Monday between the Syrian government delegation, led by Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, and foreign-sponsored opposition.

“The Syrian delegation has confirmed once again that it respects the will and determination of Syrian people to stop violence, to stop terrorism, and to take into consideration the blood that’s being shed in all parts of Syria by the terrorists groups,” said Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Feisal al-Meqdad.

“Again, the Syrian delegation started immediately after the end of the coalition by speaking about the menace of terrorism, emphasizing the need to stop it,” he added.

The government delegation has also rejected parallel track talks on the opposition’s priority of a transitional government as a “fruitless” idea.

The first round of talks last month produced no tangible results, with each side blaming the other for the bloody violence in Syria.

Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since 2011.