Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin says that representatives of influential counties in the Middle East, including Iran, must attend the upcoming Geneva talks.
In a meeting with the leader of Lebanon’s Kataeb Party Amine Pierre Gemayel in Beirut on Wednesday, Zasypkin said that Russia is trying to hold the international event through cooperation with countries playing key roles in the region.

Over the past few days, Russia has also made endeavors to formulate a political solution to the Syrian crisis within the framework of the planned Geneva 2 conference, the Russian ambassador pointed out.

On September 29, UN-Arab League Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi stated that it would be beneficial if Iran takes part in the Geneva 2 conference, noting that there is the possibility of inviting the Islamic Republic.

On August 12, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov described Iran as an important regional player that can greatly contribute to the settlement of the Syrian conflict, voicing Moscow’s eagerness for Iran’s participation in the conference.

On June 5, the Russian Foreign Ministry renewed Moscow’s call for Iran to be invited to the Geneva 2 talks.
“This is a matter of principle because the composition of the conference should be balanced,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
On May 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the necessity of Iran’s attendance at the upcoming talks in Geneva. “The issue of Iran is key for us. Iran, without question, is one of the most important nations,” he said.

Syria has been gripped by deadly turmoil since 2011. Reports indicate that 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 of others displaced in the violence.

By Press TV

 

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