UKRAINE-IRAN-SYRIA
Moscow, June 28 (Interfax) – Leaving Iran outside an upcoming international conference on Syria in Geneva is a great mistake, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
“The matter is about stopping bloodshed in Syria now. Iran is undoubtedly an influential player in this situation, along with other countries of the region, and I believe it is a great mistake to leave it outside the Geneva meeting,” Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem.
Lavrov described the U.S. determination not to admit Iran to the Geneva conference as a manifestation of double standards.
“It has been said publicly in Washington that the U.S. is categorically against Iran’s participation. This is a manifestation of a double standard,” he said.
“When the Americans needed to settle some issues related to the security of their troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, they initiated contacts with Iran and agreed on something without any hesitations,” Lavrov said.
[UA EUROPE EEU EMRG POL DEF]
16:37:59 EET-2
