MOSCOW. Jan 17 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called on the Syrian administration not to give in to provocations caused by attempts to disrupt the international conference on Syria Geneva II.
"the organization of Geneva II is now accompanied by various maneuvers, various attempts are being made to create artificial obstacles and disrupt the conference," he said before beginning negotiations with his Syrian counterpart Walid Mualem.
"At this pivotal stage, it s important to exchange opinions and do everything to prevent these attempts from succeeding. It takes political will, reserve, and ability not to give in to provocations. We are hoping that the position of the Syrian administration will be based on these principles," Lavrov said.
The Syrian foreign minister, for his part, promised that the Syrian government will not give in to various provocations.
"We will not give in to provocations. I can say that those who can provoke a Syrian minister will get a million dollars," Mualem said.
Mualem also confirmed the Syrian authorities' intention to send its delegation to Geneva II. He also said the fight against terrorism is currently a priority of the Syrian administration and he is ready to work with the Syrian opposition on that.