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TEHRAN/ROME. – Iran is ready to play a “constructive” role in upcoming Geneva II conference on Syria if it is invited, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif said yesterday.
“We have announced readiness to find a political solution (to Syria crisis) and to have a constructive and effective presence in Geneva II,” Zarif said here at a joint press conference with his visiting Italian counterpart.

“We believe that the view which prevents Iran from playing a positive role on Syria issue is not realistic,” he aid.
On Friday, UN-Arab League joint special representative to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, said that the United States had not agreed on Iran’s participation in the upcoming international peace talks on Syria.

“We hope the efforts (to solve Syria issue) will be based on realities,” Zarif said, reiterating that if Iran is invited, it will take part in the forthcoming conference on Syria.

He stressed only political dialogues among the Syrians can solve the problems of the country, and that outsiders to the Syrian conflict cannot decide on the Syrians’ future.

Meanwhile, Italy said it supports Iran’s positive presence in Geneva II conference, Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said yesterday.
“We want positive presence of Iran in the international conference of Geneva II on Syria crisis,” Bonino made the remarks in a joint press conference with her Iranian counterpart.

“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.” – Xinhua.