"A very important fact that can not be ignored by everybody is the influence and constructive role that the Islamic Republic of Iran has in the region," said Khazaee, Iran`s permanent representative to the United Nations.
United Nations (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - Iran said here Wednesday that "every country is free to attend the international conference on Syria," which is to be held in Geneva on Saturday, and that the proper solution of the Syrian crisis should be based on " cooperation among everybody, especially the major players in the region."

Mohammad Khazaee, Iran`s permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement to reporters here after Iran was a notable absentee from the guest list of the meeting of foreign ministers to be convened in Geneva on Saturday to seek an early end to the 16-month crisis in Syria.

"In my view, the solution of the Syrian crisis is the cooperation among everybody, especially the major players in the region, based on a fair approach on the issues," Khazaee said.

"A very important fact that can not be ignored by everybody is the influence and constructive role that the Islamic Republic of Iran has in the region," said Khazaee.

Kofi Annan, the joint special envoy of the United Nations and Arab League for Syria, proposed the Saturday meeting and wants to see Iran as part of the international efforts to put an early end to the Syrian crisis, which broke out in March 2011. However, the United States and European countries had opposed to Iran`s involvement in the world efforts on Syria.

Annan`s idea on Iran`s role was openly backed by Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

"If some parties do not want to benefit from Iran`s influence and constructive role, that`s their problem," Khazaee said. "And this is another indication of actually neglecting the realities on the ground."

Annan said in Geneva on Wednesday that he has invited the foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. Invitations have also gone to the secretaries-general of the United Nations and the Arab League, and the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy.

"The objectives of the Action Group for Syria are to identify steps and measures to secure full implementation of the six-point plan and Security Council Resolutions 2042 and 2043, including an immediate cessation of violence in all its forms," Annan said.

Khazaee said Iran wants to "see the issue of Syria is solved properly, smoothly, and the right of people is not ignored, and also the violence is ended."

"As you know, from the beginning, we have supported Mr. Kofi Annan`s plan, and we believe that`s the best way to resolve the issues in Syria," he said. "So, any kind of consultation by Kofi Annan with the Islamic Republic of Iran is welcome."

Earlier on Wednesday, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters here that Annan will keep Iran involved in seeking a proper solution to the Syrian crisis even if the Islamic Republic was not invited to the June 30 meeting in Geneva.

Annan will "brief" Iran after the Geneva meeting and "will also ensure their continued engagement," Nesirky said, adding that Annan "has been clear about the need for Iran to be part of the solution and so has the secretary-general." (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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