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

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

“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-Miqdad.

“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.

Miqdad told AFP late Wednesday that the Russians "intend to push these negotiations and make them succeed".

"This was the main topic in the long meeting between (Walid) al-Muallem and (Gennady) Gatilov," he said, stressing though that "we believe all the pressure should be put on the other side."