Political transition `mother of all issues` in Syria talks: UN envoy

Geneva: Agreeing on political transition in Syria is the "mother of all issues," the UN envoy for the war-ravaged country said Monday, as a new round of peace talks was to begin.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Staffan de Mistura stressed the importance of getting the talks quickly focused on "the real issues," adding: "What is the real issue? The mother of all issues (is) political transition."