Zarif from Beirut: Iran Not Seeking Geneva 2 Invitation

As he stressed that there is only political solution for the Syrian conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Tehran was not seeking an invitation for Geneva 2 peace conference.

The Iranian FM made the remarks late on Sunday at a press conference at Rafic Hariri International airport upon his arrival in Lebanon’s capital, BeiruZarif in Beirutt.

“We believe that a political solution is the only way to end the crisis in Syria. The sole path to end extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism is to accept the Syrian people’s demand through ballot boxes,” Zarif said.

“Iran will participate in the upcoming Geneva 2 talks on Syria if it is invited without any preconditions. However, we are not seeking this invitation.”

Zarif added that Iran and Lebanon are faced with common challenges such as terrorism.

He praised the Lebanese government for capturing the Saudi terrorist Majed al-Majed who masterminded the twin bombings outside Iran’s Embassy in Beirut last November.

The Iranian foreign minister also said the ties between Tehran and Beirut are of great importance as Lebanon plays a key role in the region and that the Lebanese have long resisted the Israeli regime occupation.

Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Zarif is to head to Syria in the coming days.

Al-Alam television said that the top Iranian diplomat is to visit several countries in the region which are Iraq and Jordan in addition to Lebanon and Syria.