Rouhani optimistic about "real start" of peace talks on Syria

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed optimism on Wednesday that the upcoming meeting concerning Syria will be a real start for the peace process for Syrians, reported the official IRNA news agency.

"We hope the conclusion (of the talks) will be satisfactory for the Syrians," Rouhani remarked during a meeting with visiting Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis.

"Today, we need to seize this unique opportunity to fight terrorism effectively," Rouhani said referring to the upcoming peace talks between Syria's government and opposition groups in Astana, Kazakhstan, on January 23.

He further reiterated Iran's opposition to the participation of the United States in the talks, saying that "there is no justification for the United States to attend the meeting. Iran sees no role for the United States in the talks," he said.

On Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran opposes the United States's participation in the approaching Syria peace talks.

"We have not invited the United States and we oppose the U.S.'s presence" in Kazakhstan next week, the minister was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

Following Russian, Turkish and Iranian extensive diplomatic efforts, the Syrian government and opposition groups reached a ceasefire agreement earlier in January.

It was later announced that a new round of peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups will be resumed in Astana, Kazakhstan, on January 23.

Russia and Turkey both invited the United States to the talks.

source: Xinhua