Al-Halqi: Iran’s Participation in Geneva Necessary, KSA Mad

Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi stressed that there is nothing new in relation to Geneva 2, which is supposed to be held on the 22nd of January.

In an interview with al-Akhbar Lebanese daily, al-Halqi highlighted that “the level of Syria’s representation in the conference depends on the level of its sessions.”
“If the conference was at the level of ministers of Foreign Ministers , it is obvious that Syria will be represented by its Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.”

He further stated that “the problem is in determining the representatives of the opposition, which has not been resolved yet.”

On this level, al-Halqi pointed out to the constant pressure from neighboring countries in addition to US ambassador in Syria Robert Ford’s attempts to give the extremist groups, particularly, the so-called Islamic Front some gains.
Regarding Iran’s participation in the conference, the top Syria official revealed that “no invitation was held to Iran.”
“No invitations were handed yet,” he added, noting that “30 countries are likely to participate.”

Meanwhile, al-Halqi insisted “on the presence of Iran because it is a key player.”
“The presence of Iran will contribute to solving the problems ,” he said, pointing out to “Saudi Arabia’s obsession with a disease, named Iran .”

In parallel, al-Halqi hailed Iran’s open diplomacy towards the Gulf states. “I noticed that Iran reopened the route between Tehran and Manama , despite the tense relationship with Bahrain.”
“So far, there is no regional will to end the crisis, particularly that the Saudi regime, went mad after Iran signed a nuclear deal with the West,” he added.

On the Lebanese level, the Syrian PM held the Lebanese government “partially” responsible for the unrest battering his country, accusing it of meddling into Syria’s inner affairs.

In this context, the Syrian premier blamed the Lebanese government’s policies of part of the events taking place in his country, slamming it for failing to abide by the dissociation policy towards neighboring crisis.

He lashed out at the Lebanese government over easing the infiltration of gunmen into Syria, praising Hizbullah’s role in rebuffing terrorist activity.

Al-Halqi also said that contacts between the Syrian and Lebanese government are conducted only via caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, saying the current ties between the two countries do not mirror their significant history.

Source: Al-Akhbar daily