Iran ready to play constructive role in Geneva talks

Tehran, Dec 23: Iran has expressed its readiness to play a "constructive" role in upcoming Geneva II conference on Syria if it is invited.

"We have announced readiness to find a political solution (to Syria crisis) and to have a constructive and effective presence in Geneva II," Xinhua reported citing Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif Sunday here at a joint press conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Emma Bonino.

"We believe that the view which prevents Iran from playing a positive role on Syria issue is not realistic."

On Friday, the UN-Arab League joint special representative to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, said that the US had not agreed on Iran's participation in the upcoming international peace talks on Syria.

Italian government, however, has said that it supports Iran's positive presence in Geneva II conference on Syria.

"We want positive presence of Iran in the international conference of Geneva II on Syria crisis," said Italian Foreign Minister Bonino during the joint press conference Sunday.

"Geneva II conference is the will of the United Nations to solve Syria crisis," she said, adding that "all the countries which have influence to stop tragedy in Syria should attend Geneva II conference".

"We hope the participants in the upcoming conference will find a solution to the crisis in the country," she said.

Iran, the main regional ally of the Syrian government, has condemned foreign intervention and terrorists' involvement in the Syrian conflict. It has also urged for a ceasefire in Syria prior to Geneva II conference.

IANS