Geneva II talks on Syria must have clear agenda: Iran

Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani says the forthcoming Geneva II conference on the ongoing crisis in Syria must have a clear agenda aimed at safeguarding the rights of all ethnic and religious groups in the Arab state.

“Without doubt, the truth about the Syrian issue must be recognized. It is also necessary for the Geneva II conference to have a transparent agenda so that the rights of all ethnic and religious communities in Syria are protected,” Larijani said in a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Youssef bin Alawi bin Abdullah in Muscat on Wednesday.

The Omani foreign minister, for his part, stressed the need for the establishment of peace in the Middle East.

“People want calm and security in the region. Besides, Iran and Oman should have good cooperation with each other to help the establishment of tranquility in the region,” he pointed out.

Abdullah also referred to the crisis in Syria and highlighted the importance of the success of the upcoming peace talks in Geneva.

The UN has set January 22, 2014 as the date for the peace talks.

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. Reports indicate that the Western powers and their regional allies — especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey — are supporting the militants operating inside the country.

According to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in the violence.