Precondition for Syria talks meaningless: Iran FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says any preconditions for Tehran’s presence in the upcoming international talks on Syria crisis will be meaningless.

“The role and influence of Iran as an important and effective part in the settlement of regional problems including the Syria issue are clear to all; and based on its principled stance, Iran will spare no effort to solve the crisis in Syria,” Zarif said in a meeting with visiting Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad in Tehran on Tuesday.

“However, we once again emphasize that Iran will never accept any precondition for its presence in the Geneva II conference and in case of an official call to help resolve the crisis, we are prepared to officially and fully attend the meeting,” the Iranian minister pointed out.

Zarif reaffirmed Iran’s stance on settling the crisis in Syria through political approaches and stressed the importance of continuing with bilateral and multilateral cooperation and consultation.

“The ongoing events in Syria are a big and decisive test for stability and security across the region. Confronting the wave of terrorism and extremism require cooperation and convergence among all countries,” he stated.

The Syrian official, for his part, said bilateral cooperation plays a significant and fateful role in establishment of regional stability, peace and security.

Miqdad added that Iran must be a part of any international bid aimed at resolving Syria crisis, particularly the Geneva II conference.

In a statement on Monday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reiterated his support for Iran’s participation in the upcoming Geneva II conference, slated to open on January 22.

Ban said the final decision on Iran’s participation in the Geneva II meeting will be made in a January 13 meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry.