Iran Foreign Minister, Annan Discuss Latest Developments in Syria

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan discussed the latest developments in the Syrian crisis in a telephone conversation last night. Annan briefed Salehi on the latest viewpoints to be deliberated upon during an international conference on Syria on Saturday in Geneva, and underscored the importance of Iran's role with regard to settlement of the Syrian crisis. For his part, the Iranian Foreign Minister clarified Tehran’s position towards the Syrian nation and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s reform plan. He rejected any foreign intervention and terrorist activities against the Syrian nation and added, "The solution for Syria is merely diplomatic and the imposition of the viewpoints of others is irrational." The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to continue discussions on the future developments in Syria. The United States and other Western countries had opposed inviting Iran to the Syria Contact Group meeting, due to kick off in Geneva on Saturday, Despite insistence on the part of Annan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Russia. The United Nations said that Annan will engage Iran in efforts to restore calm in Syria. Annan will brief Tehran after Saturday's international meeting in Geneva and "will also ensure their (Iranians’) continued engagement," UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said on Wednesday.