'Stopping terrorism is our priority' says Syria's presidential adviser

Syria's warring parties are beginning formal peace talks in Geneva for the first time since the conflict began three years ago, but they will not be face-to-face.

The government and rebel delegations will sit in separate rooms, and conduct negotiations through the UN mediator.

Diplomats have said a main concern will be ensuring neither side walks out.

Syrian presidential adviser Dr Bouthaina Shaaban told the BBC's Lina Sinjab that the Syrian government's priority is to ''stop terrorism''.