GENEVA
The Syrian regime said the 'fight against terrorism' is the main priority at the Geneva II peace talks on Monday, prompting strong criticism from the Syrian National Coalition (SNC) who said that the regime is dodging moves towards a political transition.
The SNC says that the political transition process and the establishment of a transition government must be the priority of the peace talks.
The Syrian opposition accused the representatives of the Syrian regime of: "derailing talks, and straying from the Geneva II Communiqué adopted in 2012".
The reaction came after the Syrian regime prepared five articles listing issues of priority and identifying the main issue as the 'fight against terrorism'.
According to the SNC, there were major differences in opinion between the Syrian regime and opposition representatives in the morning session of the Geneva II talks.
The opening speech of the regime's delegation was far from constructive, SNC sources said.
No progress made for Syria at peace talks
The Syrian National Coalition (SNC) spokesperson, Louay Safi, said that the Syrian regime has sent only junior members of its delegation to participate in Monday's talks, indicating that it is not taking progression towards a political solution seriously.
The SNC said that the Syrian regime has been delaying progress in peace talks and trying to stop discussions on core transitional government issues, like getting aid to besieged citizens and the release of prisoners.
Safi said in a press conference: "Senior members of the Syria regime's delegation have not come to participate in the negotiations."
"They are still outside the room, it (the Syrian regime) has sent the most junior members to lead the delegation which really tells us how serious it is about a political solution," Safi added.
UN Mediator, Lakhdar Brahimi is expected to meet Monday afternoon with the delegations from the Syria opposition (SNC) and Syria regime separately.
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