Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin says that representatives of influential counties in the Middle East, including Iran, must attend the upcoming Geneva talks.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
On June 5, the Russian Foreign Ministry renewed Moscow™s call for Iran to be invited to the Geneva 2 talks.\n<\/p>\n
œThis is a matter of principle because the composition of the conference should be balanced,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
On May 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the necessity of Iran™s attendance at the upcoming talks in Geneva. œThe issue of Iran is key for us. Iran, without question, is one of the most important nations,” he said. <\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
According to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions of others displaced in the violence.\n<\/p>\n
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