An Iranian deputy foreign minister opposed any form of meddling in Syria's internal affairs, and called on international bodies to help the Syrian people find a peaceful solution to the nearly three-year-long clashes.

Speaking on Sunday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian reiterated that no foreign power can impose its will on the Syrian nation.

He further underlined that Tehran's pivotal and constructive role in the region is undeniable.

He stressed the importance of formation of national dialogue within the framework of the International Geneva II Peace Conference.

On Saturday, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi underscored Iran's vital and positive position in region, saying that any opposition to Iran's participation in the Geneva II conference would deprive the Syrian people and even the entire region from accessing sustainable peace and tranquility.

“We urge Iran to be present at the meeting, because it is a key player … Iran's presence would be beneficial in resolving the Syria’s issue,” al-Halqi said Saturday.

The Syrian premier noted that foreign-sponsored Syrian opposition groups are still divided over their participation in the forthcoming conference on January 22 in the Swiss city of Montreux.

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi discussed Syria's latest developments in a phone conversation.

During their phone talk, the Iranian foreign minister underlined the need paying attention to a political solution to the Syrian crisis and focusing on Syrian-Syrian dialogue.

at a Friday news conference after a day of meetings with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Syria’s neighbors Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, Brahimi said that about 30 countries would be invited to a one-day meeting on January 22 in the Swiss city of Montreux.

He added that Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will be among the invitees.

"Iran is not off the list for the moment," he noted.

"The US is still not convinced Iran's participation would be the right thing to do," said Brahimi

The conflict in Syria started in March 2011, when sporadic pro-reform protests turned into a massive insurgency following the intervention of western and regional states.

The unrest, which took in terrorist groups from across Europe, the Middle-East and North Africa, has transpired as one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent history.

As the foreign-backed insurgency in Syria continues without an end in sight, the US government has boosted its political and military support to Takfiri extremists.

Washington has remained indifferent to warnings by Russia and other world powers about the consequences of arming militant groups.
 

News ID 185868