France: new Geneva Syria talks must focus on "political solution"

PARIS, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- France said on Friday that a planned new round of Syrian peace talks to be held under UN aegis in Geneva must try to bring the parties closer to a political solution as this is the only avenue to end the conflict in that country.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes Romatet-Espagne said in a briefing that Paris fully supported the newest initiative under the "mediation" of UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura.
"France's position is constant: only a negotiated political solution will allow for the resolution of the crisis in Syria (and) to fight durably against terrorism, and allow for the return of refugees and bring back peace," she stated in a briefing.
"These new talks must bring us closer to these goals," the official added, also reiterating France's "full support" for de Mistura's mediation.
Paris, at the same time, is still discussing with its partners the prospect of setting up a Contact Group for Syria and this group would also work in tandem with the UN Special Envoy.
De Mistura is seeking to hold a new round of talks in Geneva to try find a settlement to the Syrian crisis, amid persisting differences between the Damascus Government and the opposition, namely future political role for President Bashar Al-Assad. (end) jk.rk