Brahimi Stresses Need For Iran’s Presence In Geneva-II Confab

Tehran, Oct 27, IRNA -- United Nations and Arab League Special Envoy on Syria Lakhdar Brahimi said on Saturday that Iran’s presence in Geneva-II Conference to explore ways to put an end to the Syrian crisis is necessary and useful. Brahimi who arrived in Tehran earlier in the day to confer with Iranian officials and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, after a meeting, answered the questions by reporters in a joint press conference. Asked whether there is an international agreement to settle the humanitarian crisis in Syria, Brahimi said the situation in Syria has undoubtedly exacerbated and a lot of groups are involved in the conflict. Despite deep divisions, the warring groups need to engage in dialogue to be able to reach an agreement, he said. The special envoy said the neighboring countries are the best factors to help Syria end the bloodshed, but, in case of their failure, other countries have to step in to help. “The Geneva Conference is aimed to review international capabilities to help the warring sides reach an agreement” Asked whether Iran had been invited to the Conference, Brahimi said that as the Iranian foreign minister stated no country including Iran has been officially invited to Geneva-II Conference yet. The foreign ministers of five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the UN secretary-general, in a meeting held on the sidelines of the 68th UN General Assembly in New York agreed to accelerate holding of the Conference, he said. In the meantime, he expressed optimism about inviting Iran to attend the Conference. What is taking place in Syria is sad and terrible and a human catastrophe, he said, adding that both sides are responsible for the atrocities. When asked about attempts by certain governments to postpone the Conference, he said he had no information about any country or person making any such efforts in this regard. He reiterated that his Tehran visit is in line with his visits to regional countries for consultations about the Syrian dilemma./end