Lavrov: Counter-Terrorism to Top Geneva 2 Conference on Syria

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov underlined that counter-terrorism will top the agenda of the scheduled international conference on Syria, Geneva 2,according to FNA.

Russia Today channel quoted Lavrov’s interview with Russia-24 TV published Saturday as calling on the moderate national opposition to unite their efforts with the Syrian government to fight the extremist groups and work for establishing an alliance capable of fighting against foreign terrorists.

“Geneva2 main task would focus on uniting efforts to fight extremist groups which are trying to establish “Islamic caliphate” and this is a serious matter… The main task of the conferees should be fighting these groups and international community should support this initiative. “

Lavrov said, ” Upon reviewing issues related to holding the international conference on Syria, Geneva 2, and its agenda with our western partners, we say there should be an alliance between the Syrian government and the national opposition to fight foreign terrorists who came to Syria from all over the world to carry out their satanic schemes”.

Lavrov stressed Russia’s support for US efforts to persuade the Syrian “opposition ” to participate in Geneva 2 without unacceptable precondition.

“We are not working with the Syrian government only but also with all “opposition” spectrums,” the Minister said.

He stressed that representatives of all Syrian society spectrums should participate in the dialogue. “All the opposition spectrums should be represented at a suitable level and not in a one shape that creates big question marks on its eligibility. “

Last month, Lavrov called the Syrian government and “opposition” to fight terrorists in Syria.

R.S