The U.N-Arab League mediator for Syria warned Thursday that if the Syrian government goes ahead with presidential election, the opposition will probably refuse to participate in a new round of peace talks.

At the latest round of "Geneva II" talks last month, Brahimi wanted both sides to hold parallel talks on terrorism, which is a major concern for the government, and the establishment of a transitional governing body for Syria, agreed on by major powers at a Geneva conference in June 2012 .

One diplomat quoted Brahimi as saying the Syrian government created the clear impression that it was not ready to discuss a transitional government.

Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari told reporters afterward that his government agreed to Brahimi's agenda, but he insisted that combatting terrorists – as Syria calls the opposition fighters – is paramount and must be dealt with first.

Lucas indicated the dispute was over conducting parallel talks on terrorism and a transitional government, saying "some members" supported this approach by Brahimi.

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