Resolution of Syria's most acute problems should not be postponed until Geneva II - Lavrov
PARIS. Jan 13 (Interfax) - Russia, the United States and the UN are urging the Syrian authorities and opposition to agree on ceasing fire and exchanging prisoners prior to the Geneva II international conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"We do not want to postpone the resolution of the most acute problems until the conference itself and we will do what can be done prior its start. We will try to send signals to all Syrian parties concerning the necessity of at least reaching local agreements to cease fire and the consideration of lists regarding the exchange of military and ordinary prisoners, including civilians," Lavrov said at a news conference following talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi.